1,2,3-Trichloropropane (also known as 1,2,3 TCP, Allyl Trichloride, Glycerol Trichlorohydrin, Glycerin Trichlorohydrin, or Trichlorohydrin) is a man-made chemical compound created by Dow and Shell Chemical Companies. 1,2,3 TCP is a colourless or light straw coloured liquid with a strong chloroform odor. It is used as an industrial solvent used in many manufacturing sectors as a de-greaser, cleaning agent and varnish remover. 1,2,3 TCP is also used in the production epoxy resin and can produced as a by-product in manufacturing of other chemicals.
Prior to the 1980's compounds containing 1,2,3-Trichloropropane were also used in California and other parts of the United States as an agricultural pesticide and some derivative chemicals are still used today in the farming of some fruit and nut trees.
Groundwater Contamination
1,2,3 TCP is more dense than water and seeps into the soil and settles into the bottom of groundwater reservoirs. 1,2,3 TCP doesn't naturally break down so it can remain in groundwater basins indefinitely, slowing leaching out into the water supply.Why should I care?
1,2,3-Trichloropropane can be pretty nasty, it is known carcinogen even in smaller amounts. Inhaling 1,2,3 TCP fumes or ingestion and cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Short term exposure can cause dizzyness, concentration and muscle coordination problems, long term exposure can can cause kidney damage.
What can I do to get rid of it?
1,2,3 TCP is quite difficult and expensive to remove from the water table, but there is a lot of ongoing research working on solutions. The good news is that this compound is much easier to remove from your incoming water supply. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filter like those found in some of our Whole House Water Filtration as well as our Reverse Osmosis systems do a great job at filtering out 1,2,3 TCP (and lots of other harmful chemicals).
Our Reverse Osmosis drinking water and aquarium systems go one step further with the RO membrane filtering out any remaining contamination. Please check out our Whole House and RO Systems if you are concerned about possible 1,2,3 TCP contamination in your water supply.