Degreaser’s flush

Alcohol can affect the metabolism of trichloroethylene. This is noted in both toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies. In toxicity studies, simultaneous exposure to ethanol and trichloroethylene increased the concentration of trichloroethylene in the blood and breath of male volunteers (Stewart et al. 1974c). These people also showed "degreaser s flush"—a transient vasodilation of superficial skin vessels. In rats, depressant effects in the central nervous system are exacerbated by coadministration of ethanol and trichloroethylene (Utesch et al. 1981). 

Tachypnea, pulmonary edema, dyspnea Skin and mucous membrane irritation, activation of herpes simplex, contact dermatitis, degreaser s flush when consuming alcohol, burns, conjunctivitis, dermatographism, rash Anesthesia, analgesia, seizures, headache, trigeminal neuropathy, weakness, hemiparesis, cranial nerve damage, neuritis, paralysis, tremor, ataxia, vertigo Hot flashes, perspiration, increased blood lipids, mild anemia... 

C. Trichloroethylene or a metabolite may act to inhibit acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, blocking the metabolism of ethanol and causing degreaser s flush. ... 

D. Degreaser s flush. Workers exposed to these vapors may have acute flushing and orthostatic hypotension if they ingest alcohol, owing to a disulfiram-like effect (see Disulfiram, p 186). 

Characterization of these hazards is often difficult. Important considerations include the potency of the agent, the route of exposure, the level and temporal pattern of exposure, genetic susceptibility, overall health status, and life-style factors that may alter individual sensitivities (eg, alcohol consumption may cause degreaser"s flush in workers exposed to trichloroethylene). Despite their value in estimating the likelihood and potential severity of an effect, quantitative measurements of the level of exposure are not often available. 

Stewart Rd, et al. (1974) Degreaser s flush. Arch Environ Health 29 1-5... 

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