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 caused liver cancer in mice.
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