Perchloroethylene - C2CL4
Perchloroethylene - C2CL4
Find here the main information on tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene (C2Cl4), its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (C2Cl4 gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with type A anti-gas filter ).
Main characteristics of perchloroethylene (C2CL4)
Tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4), better known as " perchloroethylene ", is the most commonly used solvent for dry cleaning in dry cleaners. It is also used as a degreasing agent, in textile processing, in printing, and in the automotive and metallurgical industries. It is also found in some consumer products such as paint solvents or stain removers.
Health effects of perchloroethylene
Perchloroethylene (C2Cl4) is a colorless liquid with an ether-like odor that is highly volatile and virtually non-flammable. Classified as a probable carcinogen category 2A (R40) by IARC*, it is also likely to cause respiratory and eye irritation, dizziness, nausea, headache, memory loss and drowsiness leading to unconsciousness and death.
*IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the WHO World Health Organization)
C2Cl4 gas detection (Tetrachloroethylene or Perchloroethylene)
Although recognizable by its ether odor, only a C2Cl4 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this toxic gas, so we will move towards portable or fixed perchloroethylene detection in ppm.
Perchloroethylene - Tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4) respiratory protection
For effective respiratory protection from perchloroethylene, we will opt for a half mask or a full mask for short-term interventions or for a more comfortable assisted ventilation device with type A anti-gas filters.