Abstract
ABSTRACTVapor degreasing with the chlorinated solvents trichloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and perchloroethylene is a historically important source of environmental release and contamination. After describing how a vapor degreaser works and the solvents used, we provide a brief history of vapor degreasing in the United States, focusing on specific time periods. The practice originated in about 1930 and was quickly adopted, including by key manufacturers. Its use grew rapidly, particularly during World War II. However, it wasn't until about 1976 with the passage of RCRA that commercial waste haulers became available. During an interim period after the passage of RCRA disposal of liquid spent solvents and sludges was to landfills, thereby simply moving the location of the eventual contamination. Finally, we discuss the most common types of vapor degreaser releases to the environment and some ways that they can be identified. Understanding how a release occurred can help in allocating liability or developing a conceptual model for site remediation.
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