Inhalation exposure in the home to volatile organic contaminants of drinking water.

Our field studies show that indoor air concentrations of volatilized trichloroethylene (TCE) can be substantial when TCE-contaminated water is used domestically. Using a model shower, increases in TCE water concentrations, water temperature and drop path (time) increased the steady-state air TCE concentrations. Volatilization was incomplete and the rates were comparable to predicted ones. Indoor air models show that the inhalation route of exposure for such chemicals has the potential for being much greater than by direct ingestion. This should be considered in developing regulations to limit adverse health impacts from contaminants of potable water.