Trichloroacetic acid (CED0000967)

Trichloroacetic acid (C2HCl3O2) is an exogenous organic compound with an average molecular weight of 163.39 g/mol. It exists as a solid at room temperature and is an analogue of acetic acid in which the three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have all been replaced by chlorine atoms. Trichloroacetic acid belongs to the alpha-halocarboxylic acids and derivatives, a subclass of carboxylic acids and derivatives within the organic compounds. Biologically, the compound is used as a herbicide (PMC10343502) and targets the oxysterols receptor LXR-alpha (NR1H3). Health effects associated with the compound include major depressive disorder (PMC11187323) and a decrease in cancer (PMC5297775). Trichloroacetic acid has been released from 44 recorded sources across several sectors. These include aquatic systems and sediments, such as seawater, freshwater, surface water, and groundwater; drinking water and water supply, including bottled, tap, and desalinated water; and wastewater, sanitation and biosolids, such as mine wastewater, industrial wastewater, and wastewater treatment effluent. It is also found in household cleaning and consumer products, including tobacco pipes, soap detergents, and perfumes within detergents and soaps. Additionally, it is linked to food, food processing and cookware, including food preservation, food contact materials, and fermentation processes for beer, as well as the preparation of vinegar and wine or sparkling wine. It is further associated with electrical and electronic equipment, such as contacts, electric switches, discharge lamps, conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materials, and antennas. Recorded exposure routes for the compound include touch, oral, and inhalation.