Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene)

Classification

Skin irritation, Category 2; Eye irritation, Category 2; Skin sensitization, Category 1; Carcinogenicity, Category 2; STOT single exposure, Category 3 (drowsiness or dizziness); Hazardous to the aquatic environment, chronic Category 2. Supplier classifications vary somewhat; check your SDS.

Hazard statements

• H315 Causes skin irritation.
• H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
• H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
• H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• H351 Suspected of causing cancer.
• H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Key precautionary statements

• P201 Obtain special instructions before use.
• P261 Avoid breathing vapors.
• P273 Avoid release to the environment.
• P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
• P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
• P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
• P308+P313 IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice or attention.
• P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.

OSHA general industry limits come from Table Z-2: 100 ppm TWA, a 200 ppm ceiling, and a 300 ppm peak allowed for no more than 5 minutes in any 3 hours. The OSHA construction and maritime PEL is 100 ppm TWA. NIOSH treats perchloroethylene as a potential occupational carcinogen and recommends the lowest feasible exposure. The NIOSH IDLH is 150 ppm, which is low for a solvent. The ACGIH TLV is 25 ppm TWA with a 100 ppm STEL, and Cal/OSHA uses the same 25 ppm TWA and 100 ppm STEL plus a 300 ppm peak. EPA's December 2024 TSCA rule adds separate requirements; see the regulations section.

• Appearance: Colorless liquid
• Odor: Mild, sweet, chloroform-like odor
• Molecular weight: 165.8
• Boiling point: 250°F (121°C)
• Freezing point: -2°F (-19°C)
• Flash point: None; noncombustible
• Explosive limits: Not applicable
• Vapor pressure: 14 mmHg
• Vapor density: 5.8 (air = 1); vapors collect in low areas
• Specific gravity: 1.62 (sinks in water)
• Water solubility: 0.02% (slowly breaks down in water to form acids)

Inhalation

Irritates the nose, throat and lungs. Causes dizziness, headache, poor coordination, drowsiness, nausea and flushing of the face and neck. Very high exposure can cause unconsciousness and a delayed build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), so overexposed workers should be watched for 24 to 48 hours. The heavy vapor collects in machine wells, pits and other confined spaces.

Skin

Irritates the skin and can cause burns with prolonged contact. Repeated contact causes drying, cracking, redness and blisters, and it may cause an allergic skin reaction.

Eyes

Irritates the eyes and can cause burns.

Ingestion

Harmful if swallowed. Get medical attention immediately.

Target organs

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, central nervous system

Long-term effects

IARC classifies tetrachloroethylene as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A), and NTP lists it as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen; it caused liver tumors in animals. Repeated exposure may damage the liver, kidneys and nervous system, and NJDOH notes it may harm the developing fetus and reduce fertility. NJDOH recommends liver and kidney function tests for workers with frequent or high exposure as part of medical surveillance. It is closely related to trichloroethylene.

Gloves

The New Jersey Department of Health lists polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Silver Shield/4H, Viton, Viton/Butyl and Barrier gloves. PVA breaks down in water. See hand protection.

Eyes and face

Chemical splash goggles; add a face shield where splashing is likely, such as when cleaning dry-cleaning machine filters or stills.

Respiratory

Use enclosed equipment and local exhaust ventilation first. NJDOH advises a full-facepiece or powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges up to 25 ppm, supplied air above 25 ppm, and SCBA where exposure could exceed 150 ppm or during spills and fires. NIOSH, treating PCE as a carcinogen, lists only SCBA or supplied air with escape backup at any detectable concentration. See respiratory protection.

Clothing

Chemical-resistant clothing (for example Tychem F, CPF3, BR, CSM or TK) where splashing is likely. Remove clothing that becomes wet or contaminated, and wash skin.

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sunlight and moisture. Keep dry-cleaning machines and degreasers closed and maintained to limit vapor release. Do not use near welding arcs or hot surfaces, which can break the vapor down into phosgene.

Keep away from

• Finely divided metals such as aluminum, barium, lithium, beryllium and zinc (violent reaction)
• Strong oxidizers (such as peroxides, perchlorates, permanganates, nitrates and chlorine)
• Sulfuric acid and nitric acid
• Strong bases such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide

• Evacuate the area and keep unprotected people out; isolate at least 50 m (150 ft) for a spill.
• Ventilate the area; vapors collect in low areas.
• Responders should wear supplied-air respirators or SCBA.
• Absorb with dry sand, earth, vermiculite or another inert material and place in sealed containers for disposal.
• Do not wash into sewers or drains; it is toxic to aquatic life.
• Waste is likely to be regulated as hazardous waste; check with your state environmental agency or EPA.
• For larger spills, refer to ERG Guide 160.

Suitable extinguishing media

• Use media suitable for the surrounding fire; tetrachloroethylene itself does not burn
• Water spray to cool fire-exposed containers

Special hazards

Noncombustible, but heat, flames, hot surfaces and ultraviolet light break it down into highly toxic gases, including phosgene and hydrogen chloride (which forms hydrochloric acid with moisture), plus carbon monoxide. Containers may rupture when heated. NJDOH lists a fire isolation distance of 800 m (1/2 mile). Firefighters should wear SCBA and full protective gear.

• OSHA Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200): Hazardous chemical; labels, safety data sheets and worker training required.
• OSHA Air Contaminants (29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-2): 100 ppm TWA; 200 ppm ceiling; 300 ppm peak (5 minutes in any 3 hours).
• EPA TSCA risk management rule (final December 2024): Prohibits or restricts a number of PCE uses and sets workplace protection requirements for others; dry cleaning is among the affected uses. In 2025 EPA told the court it would reconsider the rule and asked for public comment, so requirements and dates may change. Check EPA's PCE risk management page for current status.
• Clean Air Act: Dry cleaning facilities that use PCE are covered by EPA's perchloroethylene dry cleaning air emission standards (NESHAP).
• CERCLA hazardous substance (40 CFR 302.4): Listed as "Perchloroethylene" / "Ethene, tetrachloro-"; reportable quantity 100 lb (45.4 kg). RCRA waste code U210.
• DOT Hazardous Materials (49 CFR 172.101): UN1897 Tetrachloroethylene, Class 6.1, PG III.

• NIOSH Pocket Guide: Tetrachloroethylene
• OSHA Occupational Chemical Database: Perchloroethylene
• NJ Department of Health Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Tetrachloroethylene
• Labbox SDS: Tetrachloroethylene
• SBA Office of Advocacy: EPA seeks comment on reconsideration of PCE regulation
• 40 CFR 302.4: CERCLA hazardous substances and reportable quantities