Trichloroethylene teratogenic effects

Inhalation studies with mice and rats indicate that TCE is a developmental toxicant. Fetotoxicity is expressed mainly as skeletal ossification anomalies and other effects consistent with delayed maturation. Oral studies with rats and mice showed no trichloroethylene-related effects on fertility or other indicators of reproductive performance. No definitive teratogenic effects have been reported regarding exposure to TCE. 

One study that overcomes some of the shortcomings of those just cited reported adverse neurodevelopment outcomes following maternal exposures to 19 organic solvents and mixtures of these. 13 In this study, the women were occupationally exposed to the chemicals listed in Table 24.3. Also included in this table are the K, values and whether or not the specific chemical is a known teratogen or a known endocrine disruptor. 5 It is interesting to note that only three of the chemicals in the study—ethanol, trichloroethylene, and mineral spirits (a mixture of hydrocarbon solvents)—are endocrine disruptors. This shows that teratogenic effects can be induced by chemicals and mixtures that are independent of the endocrine system. 

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