About Trichloroacetic Acid Acetic Acid

Trichloroacetic acid is an intermediate in the synthesis of laboratory chemicals including organic chemicals and medical products. The compound is an essential chemical for its medicinal and industrial uses. When it enters the water, it can cause several health effects. Early detection of the contaminant can help prevent environmental and health impacts.

What Types of Industrial Uses Doest it Have

The chemical is used as a soil sterilizer and a reagent in the synthesis of laboratory products. Trichloroacetic acid is also used in medical settings as a peeling agent and an antiseptic. The industrial use of the compound is as an etching and pickling agent in the metal and plastic industry.

How Does Trichloroacetic Acid Get into Your Drinking Water

Trichloroacetic acid will get into your drinking water when naturally-occurring organic and inorganic compounds found in the water reacts with chlorine or other disinfectants. It is commonly used

What are the Health Risks Associated with Trichloroacetic Acid

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), individuals exposed to the compound in excess of the MCL during the duration of several years are prone to an increased risk of getting cancer. Long-term exposure to the chemical will increase your chances of acquiring a tumor. Oral exposure or the drinking of contaminated water may cause problems during pregnancy. It can also cause developmental issues to the fetus.

Exposure to the contaminant may also increase the risk of experiencing reproduction and child development problems. Bathing in Trichloroacetic acid-contaminated water may irritate skin and eyes. If you bath in it for years, you may suffer possible eye damages. It can also damage your skin and cause it to swell, experience epidermal lose, and collagen deterioration.

What is the EPA’s Standards for Trichloroacetic Acid in Drinking Water

The Epa’s standard or maximum contaminant level goals (MCLG) for Trichloroacetic acid in drinking water is 0.02 mg/L or 20 ppb. Readings above the set standard are cause for concern due to the health risks associated with the contaminant in your water supply. If your feed water contains Trichloroacetic acid, contact your water supplier and take the necessary action to address the pollutant.

What Treatment is Recommended for Removing Trichloroacetic Acid from Drinking Water

Conventional filtration treatments are used to remove the contaminant from drinking water. If you have high levels of Trichloroacetic acid in your feed water, you should contact your water authorities so they can reduce the level according to EPA’s standards. Once a specific percentage of the organic compound is removed from the drinking water, you can use a reliable water filter system to eliminate the remaining impurities in your feed water.

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Trichloroacetic acid is a strong acid used as a protein precipitant in clinical chemistry and also as a caustic for removing warts.

Source: MeSH