By Shawn M. Collins of The Collins Law Firm, P.C. posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2017.
What is PCE?
PCE is a manufactured chemical used mostly as a cleaning agent. PCE is a colorless, nonflammable liquid with a faint, sweet odor. It is also a volatile organic compound, which means it can turn into a gas.
What is PCE Used for?
PCE is used primarily for metal degreasing and for dry cleaning, scouring, and sizing fabrics. PCE is also used to make other chemicals (specifically Chlorofluorocarbons) and as an insulating fluid in electrical transformers.
Furthermore, PCE is also an ingredient in several products including:
How Might I be Exposed to PCE?
Exposure to PCE primarily occurs in industries--like dry cleaning, chemical production, metal degreasing, rubber coating or textile facilities-- that manufacture or use the chemical, either by breathing contaminated air or by contact with your skin. In addition, despite newer dry cleaning technologies that reduce occupational exposure to PCE, the major source of PCE contamination in groundwater is still discharge from dry cleaners and factories. If you live near this type of facility or near a hazardous waste site containing PCE, you may be exposed by drinking water from a private well that is drilled down into the contaminated groundwater. Inhaling PCE vapors while bathing or showering with contaminated water is another way to get exposed to PCE. You may also be exposed by coming into contact with contaminated soil or by breathing air in your home that has been contaminated by vapor intrusion. In this process, toxic vapors rise up from the contaminated groundwater, through the soil and into your home through tiny cracks in the foundation.
What Happens to Perchloroethylene in the Environment?
In air, PCE breaks down very slowly, and as a result, can travel a long distance. It does not easily degrade in soil either, but over time, can break down into other chemicals such as vinyl chloride. In groundwater or soil, it can also volatilize into a gas and enter buildings through tiny cracks in the foundation.
How can PCE Affect my Health?
First of all, you need to know that there is no safe level of PCE. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has classified PCE as "likely to be carcinogenic to humans" based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals and suggestive evidence in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO) has also concluded that PCE is "probably carcinogenic to humans" based on similar evidence.
Studies have revealed a correlation between PCE exposure and various types of cancers, including:
In addition, PCE toxicity targets the central nervous system, kidney, liver and reproductive system. Individuals who have a disease of the heart, liver, kidneys or lungs are most susceptible to the negative health effects associated with PCE exposure. Reported health problems in people exposed to PCE include:
PCE exposure is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as the following health effects have been reported in children who were exposed in utero:
Symptoms of PCE Exposure includes:
Is There a Medical Test That Shows Whether I Have Been Exposed to PCE?
PCE can be measured in breath. Because it is stored in the body's fat and slowly released into the bloodstream, PCE can be detected for weeks following heavy exposure. Breakdown products of PCE can be measured in blood and urine, however, because exposure to other chemicals can produce the same breakdown products, these tests are not conclusive.
How can I Reduce my Family's Risk of Exposure to PCE?
What Should I do if I'm Concerned my Health may be Affected?
See your family doctor or an occupational doctor familiar with chemical exposure. Let them know you have been exposed to PCE and bring any PCE test results with you.
PCE can Also be Labeled as
Ankilostin; Antisal 1; Didakene; Ethylene tetrachloride; Fedal-Un; Nema; Perchlorethylene; Perchloroethylene; Perclene; PerSec; Tetlen; Tetracap; Tetrachlorethylene; Tetrachloroethene; Tetraguer; Tetraleno; Tetropil; 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene; C2Cl4; Carbon bichloride; Carbon dichloride; Czterochloroetylen; ENT 1,860; Nema, veterinary; NCI-C04580; Perawin; Perchloroethylene, per; Perchloroethylene, per; Perchloroethylene, per; Perchloroethylene; PERC; Tetrachloroethene; Tetrachloroethene; Tetrachloroethene; Tetralex; Antisol 1; Dow-per; Perchlor; Perclene D; Percosolve; PERK; PERC; Perklone; RCRA Waste Number U210; Tetravec; Tetroguer; UN 1897; Dilatin PT; 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethene; Freon 1110; Perclene TG; Perchloroethene; F 1110.
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