Definition
Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, and often abbreviated as PERC, is a volatile organic compound and a chlorinated hydrocarbon that is widely used in the dry cleaning industry. PERC is known for being highly toxic and has significant environmental and health implications. Because of its chemical properties, PERC can easily percolate through floors into the soil and contaminate groundwater supplies. It has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by several health agencies and is subject to stringent environmental regulations.
Examples
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Dry Cleaning Industry: PERC is used as a solvent in dry cleaning operations due to its ability to dissolve grease, oil, and dirt from fabrics.
- Example: A dry-cleaning company that uses PERC must adhere to strict disposal and handling regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
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Manufacturing Solvent: It is used as a solvent in the manufacture of other chemicals, including refrigerants and automotive parts.
- Example: A manufacturer handling PERC must have safety protocols in place to avoid any leaks which could lead to soil or water contamination.
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Environmental Assessments: Engineers and environmental consultants perform assessments in locations like shopping centers or industrial areas to check for PERC contamination.
- Example: When performing an environmental assessment for a shopping center, the engineer was careful to check for PERC at the dry-cleaning store’s site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the health hazards associated with PERC exposure?
A: PERC exposure has been linked to various health problems including dizziness, headaches, liver damage, and has been classified as a probable carcinogen, implying it could contribute to an increased risk of cancer over long-term exposure.
Q: How is PERC contamination detected in an environmental assessment?
A: Detection typically involves taking soil and groundwater samples in the vicinity of suspected contamination sites and analyzing them using various chemical testing methods.
Q: What regulations govern the use and disposal of PERC?
A: In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates PERC usage under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Clean Air Act. States might have additional regulations.
Q: Can PERC be replaced by safer alternatives in dry cleaning?
A: Yes, there are safer alternatives like hydrocarbons and liquid carbon dioxide, though they are not as widely adopted due to cost and efficiency concerns.
Q: What should property owners do if PERC contamination is found on their property?
A: Property owners should contact an environmental cleanup contractor to thoroughly assess, contain, and remediate the contamination per local and federal regulatory standards.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature, contributing to air pollution and adverse health effects.
- Environmental Assessment (EA): A formal process to evaluate the environmental consequences of a proposed development or project.
- Groundwater Contamination: The presence of pollutants in groundwater that can pose risks to human health and the environment.
- Chlorinated Hydrocarbon: Organic compounds containing chlorine, which are often used as solvents and can be harmful to the environment.
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): A federal law in the United States governing the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste.
Online Resources
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR): https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
- American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): https://www.acgih.org/
References
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Information on the regulatory framework and health effects related to PERC.
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR): Toxicity profile and exposure risk assessments.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Environmental Chemistry” by Stanley E. Manahan: Offers insight into the chemical processes and pollutants affecting the environment.
- “Environmental Contaminants: Assessment and Control” by Daniel A. Vallero: Covers the assessment of environmental contamination and regulatory approaches.
- “Hazardous Materials Chemistry for Emergency Responders” by Robert Burke: A comprehensive look into the chemicals that can cause environmental and health hazards.
