Tetrachloroethylene

Definition

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is a colourless, readily volatile liquid with an ether-like odour. The main industrial applications of PCE are as a dry-cleaning agent, degreaser for fabricated metal parts, and industrial solvent. Other applications include textile finishing, production of printing inks, and formulation of adhesives.

Predominant sources of emissions

There are no known natural sources of PCE. Concerning indoor sources:

- Contaminated drinking water can be a source of indoor exposure to PCE.

- Dry-cleaning workers have become sources of PCE in the home by exhaling it.

- Dry-cleaned laundry is also a possible source of PCE.

- Soil contamination with PCE has led to concentrations of these chemicals in indoor air as they evaporate and can leach through indoor air.

Legislation and intervals

According to World Health Organization, the limit value for tetrachloroethylene is 0.25 mg/m3 on an annual average.