Tetrachloroethylene
Synonyms & Trade Names
Perchlorethylene, Perchloroethylene, Perk, TetrachlorethyleneExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca Minimize workplace exposure concentrations. See Appendix AOSHA PEL
TWA 100 ppmC 200 ppm (for 5 minutes in any 3-hour period), with a maximum peak of 300 ppm
See Appendix G
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a mild, chloroform-like odor.Molecular Weight
165.8Boiling Point
250°FFreezing Point
-2°FSolubility
0.02%Vapor Pressure
14 mmHgIonization Potential
9.32 eVSpecific Gravity
1.62Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NA
Noncombustible Liquid, but decomposes in a fire to hydrogen chloride and phosgene.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Strong oxidizers; chemically-active metals such as lithium, beryllium & barium; caustic soda; sodium hydroxide; potashExposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system; nausea; flush face, neck; dizziness, incoordination; headache, drowsiness; skin erythema (skin redness); liver damage; [potential occupational carcinogen]Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, central nervous systemCancer Site
[in animals: liver tumors]Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division