1, 2, 3 TCP -- Time To Take A Stand

Trichloropropane, commonly referred to as 1,2,3-TCP, is a chlorinated hydrocarbon that is used in a variety of industrial products and processes. Process-wise, it is used as a solvent, cleaner, and degreaser; product-wise, it is used in the production of paint thinners, varnish removers, and other chemicals. And since you are reading a post from yours truly, you have probably already guessed that TCP is bad and has made its way to our water—blah, blah, blah CANCER. And while you would be right, there is a twist!

^{Image by Liz West. Available here}

TCP is not regulated. Why? I don’t know, maybe because we are garbage people.

No, it does take a long time to establish maximum contaminant levels (or “regulate”) contaminants. First, we are often at an information disadvantage for many years whether it is because we do not know the contaminant even exists or that is has potential for adverse health effects. Second, even when we know it is bad, the actually regulatory process takes time.

Example: Under the Safe Drinking Water Act in the US, the EPA is required to publish a list of unregulated contaminants known to be present in public waterways which, due to their potential for adverse health effects, might require regulation under the SDWA. The list can only be published every five years and cannot contain more than 30 entries. Then, out of the 30 contaminants listed, the EPA can only select 5 for regulation. The EPA has not been around since the beginning of time, which explains why there are only 87 contaminants currently subject to any maximum contaminate levels. On the bright side, the EPA does publish official health advisories for unregulated contaminants that are known to cause health effects. Currently, there are over 200. So there is that.

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Anyways, back to TCP. The biggest problem with TCP is that is does not stick to soil and does not break down easily. So once it is released into the environment, it gets pushed into groundwater by rain and irrigation pretty quickly where it can remain for 200+ years.

Right now, 1,2,3-TCP has been found in drinking water wells across the United States, with California leading the pack due to agriculture. Back in the 1940s, Dow and Shell started using 1,2,3-TCP during the production process of certain soil fumigants designed to kill tiny worms. TCP was not a necessary ingredient, however, and could have been removed from the final product rather easily. Unfortunately, Dow and Shell did not feel like it so they registered it as an active ingredient instead. As a result, TCP-laden pesticide was injected into the soil of California farms for over 30 years. And since 30 is less than 200, TCP’s groundwater levels have not decreased, which means that people have been drinking it for many decades. So I am pissed.

^{Map courtesy of Turnto23}

The Division of Drinking Water in California plans to set a limit on TCP in 2017 and Shell and Dow are trying to keep the limit as low as possible. If you live in California, I encourage you to take a stand with Clean Water Action here.