Harzad and toxity of Trichloroacetic acid

Trichloroacetate, or trichloroacetic acid, is a strong acid prepared by the reaction of chlorine with acetic acid in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In clinical chemistry and biochemistry, it is used as a precipitant of macromolecules including proteins, DNA and RNA. Trichloroacetate is also found in cosmetic treatments and topical formulations as a cauterant, which removes condyloma or warts on the skin.

Effects on Skin

In high concentrations over a short period of time, exposure to haloacetic acids in drinking water can cause severe irritation to the skin. Trichloroacetic acid, a type of haloacetic acid, is used clinically as a chemical skin peel. Exposure to high levels of this acid causes loss of skin, inflammation and degeneration of the structural protein collagen. In some cases, the skin damage can last from two to 15 weeks.

Cancer Risk

The Environmental Protection Agency has classified the acid as a Group 2B cancer classification, which means it may cause cancer in humans. However, this classification is based on studies performed on animals, and the evidence to support its carcinogenicity in humans is limited. Experiments on mice exposed to varying levels of haloacetic acid showed an increase in the development of liver tumors and liver cancer.

Birth Defects

Exposure to high levels of haloacetic acid also may increase the risk of birth defects. However, as with cancer, only animal studies have been conducted. Fetal rats exposed to high doses of haloacetic acid in their mother's diets had poor fetal growth and a higher incidence of malformation of the heart and kidneys. Pregnant rats exposed to the contaminant also had poor overall maternal weight gain during gestation.

You may like