Perchloroethylene (PCE or "Perc") is a colorless, nonflammable liquid. The largest user of Perc is the dry cleaning industry. Perc accounts for 80% to 85% of all dry cleaning fluid used in the United States. Industrial uses of Perc include applications in textile mills, chlorofluorocarbon operations, vapor degreasing and metal cleaning operations, and by the makers of rubber coatings. Perc is used in consumer products including aerosol formulations, solvent soaps, printing inks, typewriter correction fluid, adhesives, sealants, polishes, lubricants, and silicones.
Exposure to Perc can occur in the
workplace or through environmental exposure following a release of Perc into the air or groundwater. Exposure may also occur when people use products that contain Perc, come into contact with the substance while visiting dry cleaning facilities, live adjacent to or above such a facility, or bring dry cleaned garments into the home.
Perc enters the body through inhalation of contaminated air or eating or drinking
contaminated food or water. It can also be absorbed through skin contact.
Perc's effect on humans depends on the amount an individual is exposed to, the health of the individual, and the length and frequency of exposure.
Short-term breathing of Perc can affect the nervous system. Effects range from
dizziness,
fatigue,
headaches and
sweating to loss of consciousness. Contact with a Perc liquid or vapor may irritate the
skin,
eyes,
nose, and
throat.
Exposure to Perc over extended periods can cause
liver and
kidney damage, as well as
cancer. Workers exposed repeatedly to large doses of Perc may also experience
memory loss and
confusion.
See your doctor if you have experienced serious health problems because of exposure to Perc. In addition, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Balance Problems: Overview
- Cancer
- Children's Health Matters: Overview
- Delirium: Overview
- Ear, Nose, & Throat Disorders
- Eye Disorders
- Fatigue: Overview
- Head, Spinal Cord, Brain & Nerve Disorders: Overview
- Headaches
- Kidney Failure
- Liver Problems
- Memory Loss
- Menstruation: Overview
- Miscarriage: Overview
- Skin Disorders: Overview
- Sweating: Overview
- Perchloroethylene: Frequently Asked Questions