ABSTRACT
Trichloroethylene, like methyl chloroform, is a solvent used in aerosol products. The preparation of the separate monographs for these two solvents which are both trichlorinated hydrocarbons allows us to compare the relative effects of each on the heart and lungs in identical animal systems and under identical conditions. When methyl chloroform was introduced, its toxicity was demonstrated to be considerably lower than that of chloroform and carbon tetrachloride. Since trichloroethylene had already been used to administer general anesthesia, there was no reason to make a systematic study of the two trichlorinated hydrocarbons, one used medically and the other used industrially. Recent events have compelled a reexamination of trichloroethylene. Consumer products containing these solvents are among those being abused by intentional inhalation. Furthermore, the solvents are unintentionally inhaled in the course of the normal use of aerosols and cleaning fluids, as well as in the industrial use of solvents.
