1,2,3 Trichloropropane

Recently TOSC staff has been working with an environmental contaminant that is currently attracting a lot of attention. 1,2,3-trichloropropane is a synthetic chemical that is a colorless, heavy liquid.

Molecular Structure: grey=C, green= Cl, blue=H

Primarily useful as a solvent and extractive agent, it has been commonly used as a paint and varnish remover, a cleaning and degreasing agent and a chemical intermediate for the manufacture of other chemical substances. It has also been used in the past in pesticide formulations.

Though not common in the environment, 1,2,3-TCP has been found occasionally in drinking water, groundwater and hazardous waste sites. This is because it can enter the environment while it is being made, where it is used to make or dissolve other chemical substances or where it is released in the waste that is made during these processes. Disposal at hazardous waste sites, accidents or spills could lead to high levels in the surrounding air, water and soil. 1,2,3-TCP leached into groundwater is of concern as it degrades very slowly in water. A TOSC fact sheet explaining the health effects and contamination concerns of 1,2,3-TCP is available here.

TOSC is currently working with the Tustin Marine Corp Air Station Restoration Advisory Board (RAB). 1,2,3-TCP is one of several groundwater contaminants found at the site. The Department of the Navy is currently treating methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), the primary contaminant, and 1,2,3-TCP in groundwater using an innovative technology. Both MTBE and 1,2,3-TCP are destroyed using ozone and hydrogen peroxide to create highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, which oxidize organic chemicals. The treatment scheme appears to be quite effective in destroying these and other volatile organic compounds.

The Department of Defense has also recently issued a statement of need through its Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) inviting proposals for fundamental or applied studies to develop remedial alternatives for specific emergent contaminants including 1,2,3-TCP contamination. Details about this opportunity can be found here.

More information about the human health effects and environmental fate of 1,2,3-TCP can also be found at the Agency for Toxic Substances Registry (ATSDR) website.