Perchlorethylene: Properties, Applications and Risks
Perchlorethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene or “perc,” is a synthetic chemical compound that has been widely used in various industrial applications. It is commonly used as a dry cleaning solvent due to its ability to dissolve grease, oil, and other organic compounds, making it an effective cleaning agent. It is also used in the manufacturing of certain types of plastics and rubber, and as a degreasing agent in metal cleaning and finishing. However, this chemical compound is not without potential health and environmental risks.
Properties of Perchlorethylene
Perchlorethylene is a colorless liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. It is highly flammable and can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. The chemical compound can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Once in the body, perchlorethylene can be converted into toxic metabolites that can cause harm to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
Potential Health Risks
Perchlorethylene is classified as a potential human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Exposure to this chemical compound has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Long-term exposure to perchlorethylene has also been associated with other health effects, such as neurological problems, including dizziness, headaches, and confusion, and reproductive problems, such as decreased fertility and birth defects.
Potential Environmental Risks
Perchlorethylene is a potential environmental contaminant and has been classified as a hazardous air pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). When released into the air, it can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can cause respiratory problems and other health effects.
Perchlorethylene can also contaminate soil and water, where it can persist for many years. It can pose a threat to aquatic life and other organisms in the environment.
Phasing Out Perchlorethylene
Due to the potential health and environmental risks associated with perchlorethylene, many countries are phasing out its use. In the United States, the EPA has implemented regulations that limit the use of perchlorethylene in dry cleaning facilities and other industrial applications. The European Union has also restricted the use of perchlorethylene in many applications.
Alternatives to Perchlorethylene
Many safer alternatives to perchlorethylene are available for use in various industrial applications. For example, some dry cleaning facilities have switched to using liquid carbon dioxide or silicone-based solvents. These alternatives are less toxic and more environmentally friendly than perchlorethylene.
