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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM) Tetrachloroethylene Toxicity What is Tetrachloroethyne?
Upon completion of this section, you will be able to
describe the properties of tetrachloroethylene.
Tetrachloroethylene is a synthetic chemical. It is a clear, colorless, nonflammable liquid with a sweet, fruity odor like that of chloroform. It is volatile and readily evaporates at room temperature.
As of 1995 the estimated end-use pattern for tetrachloroethylene was (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 1997.)
chemical intermediates - 55%,
metal cleaning and vapor degreasing - 25%,
dry cleaning and textile processing - 15%, and
other unspecified uses - 5%.
Tetrachloroethylene has also been used as (U.S. EPA 2005)
an intermediate in the synthesis of fluorocarbons,
an insulating/cooling fluid in electric transformers,
a component in typewriter correction fluids,
a veterinary medication against worms, and
a grain protectant and fumigant.
Chemical synonyms for tetrachloroethylene include
tetrachloroethene,
perchloroethylene,
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethylene, and
ethylene tetrachloride.
Other commonly used names are
PCE,
Perc,
perchlor, and
Perclene.
Tetrachloroethylene is a synthetic chemical that is widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics and for metal-degreasing operations.
Tetrachloroethylene is also used as a starting material for making other chemicals and is used in some consumer products.
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