Environmental Exposure to Trichloroethylene (TCE) in the Finger Lakes Region

The Finger Lakes region has a rich history of industrial activity. As in many areas, there are sites throughout the region that have a legacy of environmental contamination. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation works to identify and clean up these sites.  One common contaminant is trichloroethylene (TCE), a man-made volatile organic compound that has been used in various industrial and household products. TCE has been used in items like cleaning wipes, aerosol cleaners, tool cleaners, paint removers, and carpet spot cleaners, and in degreasing and commercial dry cleaners as a spot remover.

People may be exposed to TCE from contaminated air or water. One exposure route of concern in our region is vapor intrusion into buildings.

TCE and Health

Long-term exposure to TCE has been linked to kidney cancer. Additionally, research suggests it may increase the risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, liver cancer, Parkinson’s, and other diseases. For more information, visit the National Cancer Institute on TCE.

How Can You Learn More About TCE in the Environment?

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Info Locator:

This interactive map allows you to explore environmental cleanup sites and brownfields throughout New York State. You can learn about the contaminants found at these sites and the past actions taken to address them.

• Click all the boxes listed under “Remediation Sites” in the “Environmental Cleanup” tab to see the locations of all the sites with a known history of contamination.
• Click on each site for information on site history, contaminants found, and cleanup status.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Brownfields

URMC Environmental Health Sciences Center - Brownfields: This website explains what brownfields are and what they mean for public health.