What is perchloroethylene or “perc”?
Perchloroethylene or “Perc” is a colorless, noncombustible, volatile organic compound (VOC) typically found in liquid form [2] [3]. The compound turns into vapors at room temperature [3].What is perchloroethylene in?
Typewriter correction fluid, spot removers, shoe polish, and wood cleaner often contain Perc [3]. It is used prolifically in dry cleaning and as a solvent in metalworking factories as well as the automotive industry [1]. Perc is also a common groundwater and soil contaminant [1]. Most human contact occurs via bagged dry-cleaning items that are unwrapped in the home, releasing unhealthy amounts of the chemical into indoor air [3].How to tell if a product has perchloroethylene
Perchloroethylene is also known sometimes listed as “Perc”, tetrachloroethylene, or tetrachlorethylene [3].Risks associated with perchloroethylene
Even a minor exposure to perchloroethylene can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, respiratory system along with a variety of other unpleasant symptoms including nausea, flushing, dizziness, and headache [2] [3]. Over time, this chemical has been shown to cause more serious health issues including:- Cancer
- Organ system toxicity
- Neurotoxicity
- Cardiac issues
- Kidney problems
- Reproductive toxicity [1][3]
