Tetrachloroethylene

Tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene, PCE, or PERC) is a commonly used solvent in dry cleaning and metal degreasing operations. It is a colorless, nonflammable liquid. The largest user of tetrachloroethylene is the dry cleaning industry. It accounts for 80% to 85% of all dry cleaning fluid used.

History

Tetrachloroethylene was first synthesized by the French chemist Michael Faraday in 1821. He heated 1,2-dichloroethane in a sealed glass tube and obtained a liquid which he called 'heavy oil of Dutch liquid'. Later in the 19th century, other chemists produced tetrachloroethylene in a similar manner, and it was used for degreasing metals and dry cleaning.

Production

Tetrachloroethylene is produced by high temperature chlorinolysis of light hydrocarbons. The most common feedstocks include ethylene dichloride (1,2-dichloroethane), trichloroethylene, and carbon tetrachloride.

Uses

The main use of tetrachloroethylene is in the dry cleaning industry. It is also used in automotive products, such as brake cleaners and gasket removers, and in the semiconductor industry. It is used as a solvent in many industries and as a spotting agent in the textile industry.

Health Effects

Exposure to tetrachloroethylene may occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. It can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, kidney dysfunction, and neurological effects such as mood changes, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion.

Environmental Impact

Tetrachloroethylene is a persistent organic pollutant. It does not readily degrade in the environment and can contaminate groundwater. It is also a greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential of 1,430.

Regulation

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum contaminant level of 5 parts per billion (ppb) for tetrachloroethylene in drinking water. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible exposure limit of 100 parts per million (ppm) over an 8-hour workday.

See Also

• Dry cleaning
• Environmental impact of the chemical industry
• Occupational safety and health

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