Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene)

Dry cleaner removing a spot from a coat.

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Overview
NIOSH Chemical Resources

Overview

CAS No. 127-18-4

Tetrachloroethylene (Cl₂C=CCl₂) is a colorless liquid with a mild, chloroform-like odor. Exposure to tetrachloroethylene may cause irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, and respiratory system. It may also cause liver damage and is a potential occupational carcinogen. Workers may be harmed from exposure to tetrachloroethylene. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

Tetrachloroethylene is used in many industries. It’s used to dry clean fabrics, manufacture other chemicals, and degreasing metal parts. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to tetrachloroethylene include the following:

Workers in dry cleaning industries
Workers who use it to degrease metals
Workers in industries who use it to make other chemicals

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses tetrachloroethylene, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheets for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.

The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to tetrachloroethylene. Useful search terms for tetrachloroethylene include “perchlorethylene,” “perchloroethylene,” “perk,” and “tetrachlorethylene.”

NIOSH Chemical Resources

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) helps workers, employers, and occupational health professionals recognize and control workplace chemical hazards.

Manual of Analytical Methods

The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed.

Health Hazard Evaluations

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHE) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to chemicals. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics.

Related NIOSH Resources

NIOSHTIC-2 search results on tetrachloroethylene—NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Value Profile: Tetrachloroethylene – Documents the criteria and scientific information used as the basis of the NIOSH IDLH value.
Dry Cleaners: Organic Solvents—The NIOSH worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.
Dry Cleaners: Organic Solvents/Perchloroethylene—The NIOSH worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.
NIOSH Occupational Safety and Health Guideline for tetrachloroethylenepdf icon—This guideline helps stakeholders conduct effective occupational safety and health programs.

Selected Publications

NIOSH Criteria Documents: Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Tetrachloroethylene, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 76-185—Presents a standard to prevent the adverse effects of exposure to tetrachloroethylene over a working lifetime.
Current Intelligence Bulletin No. 20: Tetrachloroethylene, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 78-111—This Bulletin shares the findings of the NCI study, other pertinent data, their implications for occupational health, and precautions for handling tetrachloroethylene.
NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Drycleaning—Provides a collection of resources focused upon identifying and controlling the exposure of workers to tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), as well as other hazards

Related Resources

International Resources

Page last reviewed: June 21, 2019, 12:00 AM

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health