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|  Environmental InvestigationsTetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene - "PERC") Fact SheetQ1: What is Tetrachloroethylene? Tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethene or "PERC") is a synthetic chemical. It is a colorless, nonflammable and stable liquid at room temperature. Although it is liquid at room temperature, it tends to evaporate into the air producing an ether-like odor that may be detected at low concentrations. However, after a short period of time the odor may become inconspicuous, thereby becoming an unreliable warning signal. Q2: Where is PERC used? PERC is widely used in dry cleaning fabrics and for metal-degreasing operations. It is also used as a starting material for making other chemicals and some consumer products such as auto brake cleaners, suede protectors, water repellants, silicone and belt lubricants. Specialized aerosol cleaners, ignition wire driers, fabric finishers, spot removers, adhesives and wood cleaners also use PERC as an ingredient. Q3: How might I be exposed to PERC? Humans can be exposed to PERC from environmental and occupational sources and from consumer products. Background levels of PERC are found in the air we breathe, in the water we drink, and in the food we eat. Nevertheless, PERC is found most frequently in air and less often in the water and food. Air close to dry cleaning shops and chemical waste sites may have levels of PERC higher than background levels. The main route of exposure to PERC for residents in the vicinity of such facilities is inhalation. Q4: How does PERC enter and leave my body? PERC can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. Very little PERC in the air can pass through the skin into the body. Most PERC leaves the human body from the lungs when breathed out. A small amount of PERC is changed by the body and eliminated from the body in urine within a few days. Some of the PERC that entered the body can be found in the blood and other tissues, especially body fat. Part of the PERC that is stored in fat may stay in the body for several days or weeks before it is eliminated. Q5: How can PERC affect my health? The health effects of PERC depend on the level and duration of exposure. PERC has been used safely as a general anesthetic agent, since at high concentrations it is known to produce loss of consciousness. When concentrations in the air are high - particularly in closed, poorly ventilated areas - a single exposure to PERC can cause dizziness, headache, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, difficulty in speaking and walking, unconsciousness, and death. Skin irritation may result from repeated or extended contact with PERC. By far the most significant exposure to PERC occurs in industrial environments. Liver and central nervous system effects have been observed in workers in industries using PERC. Animal studies suggest that PERC has the potential to cause liver and kidney damage and developmental effects in the unborn. PERC can cause cancer in laboratory animals that were exposed to large amounts over their lifetimes. The currently available information is not sufficient to determine the health effects from low levels of PERC exposure and whether PERC causes cancer in humans. Q6: Is there a medical test to determine whether I have been exposed to PERC? Q7: Should I or my children see a doctor? If you believe you or your children are experiencing symptoms which you think might be related to PERC exposure, you and your children should see your physician. You should explain to the physician when, how and for how long you think you were exposed to PERC. In an emergency, call the Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS, (212) VENENOS, or (212) 340-4494. For more information call the New York City Health Department:
For more information, call 311. | |
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