PERCHLOROETHYLENE

Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, ethylene tetrachloride, or PERC, is a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent commonly used in dry-cleaning fluid, spot removers, and degreasers. Vapors are irritating to skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract. Inhalation exposure produces giddiness, headache, inebriation, nausea, vomiting, and sinus inflammation. Skin exposure will cause redness and chapping. If ingested, perchloroethylene can result in central nervous system depression and liver damage. Chronic exposure may also result in liver damage.

Perchloroethylene is a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent that slowly breaks down in the environment. It is fat soluble which allows it to collect in the tissues of living organisms and accumulate in the environment. Perchloroethylene is a known animal carcinogen that has resulted in the presence of liver cancer in mice.

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