The chlorinated solvents used in this process include trichloroethylene (TCE) trichloroethane (TCA),
and trichlorotrifluoroethane (CFC-113). All of these solvents are listed on the EPA’s undesirable
cleaning solvents list and are heavily regulated. TCE is an excellent cleaner with low toxicity levels
and a high flashpoint. However, TCE is not environmentally safe and is a VOC and Hazardous Air
Pollutant (Florida Pollution Prevention Program, 1995a&b). It has also been recognized to cause
long term health effects such as liver and kidney diseases and increased carcinogenic risk. TCA,
which can substitute for TCE, is less toxic and a less effective cleaning solvent. It is also identified
along with CFC-113 as a class 1 ozone depleter.