Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 
Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM) 

Tetrachloroethylene Toxicity
What is Tetrachloroethyne?

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this section, you will be able to

• describe the properties of tetrachloroethylene.

Definition

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.

Uses

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.

Synonyms

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.

Key Points

• 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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