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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