Background - Various studies have examined the link between exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and kidney cancer, with conflicting results. Analysis of a case-control study revealed an increased risk of kidney cancer associated with high cumulative exposure. The objective of this supplementary analysis was to determine whether the occupational exposure limits (OELs) currently in effect are appropriate in relation to the potential risk of kidney cancer. Patients and Methods - Eighty-six cases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and 316 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Occupations were described using a questionnaire designed to assess exposures. An average level of TCE exposure was calculated for each occupational period. The association between TCE exposure and the risk of kidney cancer was estimated using conditional logistic regression. Three levels of average exposure over an eight-hour workday were considered: 75 ppm (the French OEL), 50 ppm (the ACGIH TWA), and 35 ppm (half the French OEL). A multivariate analysis accounted for confounding factors identified at the 10% threshold (smoking, body mass index [BMI], occupational exposure to cutting oils and other petroleum-based oils). Results - After adjusting for smoking and BMI, the odds ratios associated with different levels of TCE exposure were 1.62 [0.77–3.42] above 35 ppm, 2.80 [1.12–7.03] above 50 ppm, and 2.92 [0.85–10.09] above 75 ppm. Among subjects exposed to cutting oils and TCE above 50 ppm, the OR adjusted for BMI, smoking, and exposure to other petroleum oils reached 2.70 [1.02–7.17]. Conclusion - The results of this study, as well as those available in the international literature, seem to indicate that the current French occupational exposure limits for TCE are too high relative to the potential risk of kidney cancer. (R.A.)