What is Perchloroethylene used for?

Perchloroethylene is a solvent commonly used in dry cleaning operations. When applied to a material or fabric, perc helps dissolve greases, oils and waxes without damaging the fabric.

Is Perchloroethylene bad for the environment?

PCE can leach rapidly through sandy soil and therefore may reach groundwater. PCE is reported to be the chemical most widely found in groundwater contamination at Superfund Sites. When PCE is released in water, the primary loss is by evaporation. Chemical and biological degradation are expected to be very slow.

What does tetrachloroethylene breakdown?

Most tetrachloroethylene that you are exposed to will enter into your blood. A small amount of tetrachloroethylene in your blood may be broken down to other chemicals that will leave your body in urine.

Why is Perchloroethylene hazardous?

Effects resulting from acute (short term) high-level inhalation exposure of humans to tetrachloroethylene include irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, kidney dysfunction, and neurological effects such as reversible mood and behavioral changes, impairment of coordination, dizziness, headache, sleepiness.

What liquid is used in dry cleaning?

tetrachloroethylene
Dry cleaning still involves liquid, but clothes are instead soaked in a water-free liquid solvent, tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), known in the industry as “perc”, which is the most widely used solvent.

What fluid is used in dry-cleaning?

Is perchloroethylene banned?

Under the Clean Air Act (in the Final Amendments to Air Toxics Standards for Perchloroethylene Dry Cleaners), the US EPA stipulates that all PERC machines be removed from residential buildings by December 21, 2020, and replaced with non-PERC technology (42).

What are the health effects of trichloroethylene?

Acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure to trichloroethylene can affect the human central nervous system (CNS), with symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, confusion, euphoria, facial numbness, and weakness.

What fluid is used in dry cleaning?

What are the health effects of Trichloroethylene?