Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene[a] or under the systematic name tetrachloroethene, and abbreviations such as perc (or PERC), and PCE, is a chlorocarbon with the formula Cl2C=CCl2. It is a non-flammable, stable, colorless and heavy liquid widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics.

Tetrachloroethylene is a nonflammable colorless liquid. Other names for tetrachloroethylene include perchloroethylene, PCE, PERC, tetrachloroethene, and perchlor. Most people can smell tetrachloroethylene when it is present in the air at a level of 1 part in 1 …

Tetrachloroethylene is a volatile, lipophilic small molecule that is rapidly and extensively absorbed after inhalation and oral exposure. It can also be rapidly absorbed through the skin, but dermal absorption appears to be a less important route of exposure.

Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene, or PCE) is a widely used chlorinated solvent that is produced commercially for use in dry cleaning, textile processing, and metal-cleaning operations. PCE has been detected in drinking water, indoor environments, ambient air, groundwater, and soil.

Tetrachloroethylene is used as a degreasing agent in vapour and liquid forms. It dissolves many organic compounds (including pitches and waxes) and inorganic compounds, and can be used to clean metal parts.

Tetrachloroethylene is made by direct chlorination or oxychlorination of certain hydrocarbons. Tetrachloroethylene is used as a chemical intermediate, as solvent for metal cleaning and vapor degreasing, and for dry-cleaning and textile processing.

Tetrachloroethylene is a manufactured chemical used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing and in the aerospace industry. Exposure to very high concentrations of tetrachloroethylene can cause dizziness headaches, sleepiness, incoordination confusion, nausea, …

Tetrachloroethylene is commercially important as a chlorinated solvent and as a chemical intermediate. In 1990, about 53% of world demand for tetrachloroethylene was for dry cleaning, and it was the cleaning fluid used by about 75% of all dry cleaners.

This Public Health Statement summarizes the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) findings on tetrachloroethylene, including chemical characteristics, exposure risks, possible health effects from exposure, and ways to limit exposure.

Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) 127-18-4 Hazard Summary Tetrachloroethylene is widely used for dry-cleaning fabrics and metal degreasing operations. Effects resulting from acute (short term) high-level inhalation exposure of humans to tetrachloroethylene include irritation of …