What happens to trichloroethylene when it enters the environment?

• Trichloroethylene dissolves a little in water, but it can remain in ground water for a long time.
• Trichloroethylene quickly evaporates from surface water, so it is commonly found as a vapor in the air.
• Trichloroethylene evaporates less easily from the soil than from surface water. It may stick to particles and remain for a long time.
• Trichloroethylene may stick to particles in water, which will cause it to eventually settle to the bottom sediment.
• Trichloroethylene does not build up significantly in plants and animals.