Perchloroethylene (Tetrachloroethylene)
Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, is a colorless, nonflammable liquid, with a sharp sweet odor. It is a chlorofluorocarbon.
Uses: a solvent for organic materials, a degreaser for metal parts.
Found in: spot removers, aerosol products, solvent soaps, printing inks, adhesives, sealants, paint removers, paper coatings, leather treatments, automotive cleaners, polishes, lubricants, and silicones. The largest US user of PERC is the dry cleaning industry. It accounts for 80% to 85% of all dry cleaning fluid used. Textile mills, chlorofluorocarbon producers, vapor degreasing and metal cleaning operations, and makers of rubber coatings also use PERC.
Effects: Acute: once in the body PERC can remain, stored in fat tissue and can adversely effect the central nervous system. Effects range from dizziness, fatigue, headaches and sweating to incoordination and unconsciousness. Chronic: can contribute to the formation of photochemical smog when it reacts with other volatile organic carbon substances in air. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified tetrachloroethylene as probably carcinogenic to humans.
