Tetrachloroethylene
Synonyms & Trade Names
Perchlorethylene, Perchloroethylene, Perk, Tetrachlorethylene
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca Minimize workplace exposure concentrations. See Appendix AOSHA PEL
TWA 100 ppmC 200 ppm (for 5 minutes in any 3-hour period), with a maximum peak of 300 ppm
See Appendix G
Measurement Methods
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a mild, chloroform-like odor.
Molecular Weight
165.8
Boiling Point
250°F
Freezing Point
-2°F
Solubility
0.02%
Vapor Pressure
14 mmHg
Ionization Potential
9.32 eV
Specific Gravity
1.62
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Noncombustible Liquid, but decomposes in a fire to hydrogen chloride and phosgene.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers; chemically-active metals such as lithium, beryllium & barium; caustic soda; sodium hydroxide; potash
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system; nausea; flush face, neck; dizziness, incoordination; headache, drowsiness; skin erythema (skin redness); liver damage; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, central nervous system
Cancer Site
[in animals: liver tumors]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
See also
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content
source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health