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Toxicological Chemistry of Chemical Substances
Published in Stanley E. Manahan, Environmental Chemistry, 2022
Tetrachloroethylene damages the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. It is a suspect human carcinogen. It is metabolically oxidized to tetrachloroethylene oxide, which is probably the reactive intermediate responsible for its toxicity.
Human Health Studies
Published in Barry L. Johnson, Impact of Hazardous Waste on Human Health, 2020
A population-based, case-control study evaluated the relationship between cases of cancer (bladder, kidney, leukemia) and exposure to tetrachloroethylene from public drinking water (Aschengrau et al., 1993). The contaminant had leached from the plastic lining of drinking water distribution pipes. Exposure to tetrachloroethylene was associated with an increased risk of leukemia, and evidence showed that the increased risk was dose related. No increased risks of kidney or bladder cancers were noted, although the small numbers of these cancer cases limited the study.
Organic Chemicals
Published in William J. Rea, Kalpana D. Patel, Reversibility of Chronic Disease and Hypersensitivity, Volume 4, 2017
William J. Rea, Kalpana D. Patel
Tetrachloroethylene is a dry cleaning agent. It is used for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, metal degreasing, and grain fumigation. Of the 500 chemically sensitive patients surveyed at the EHC-Dallas, 83% had tetrachloroethylene in their blood. This chemical because of its lipophilicity and chemical configuration is difficult to be eliminated from the body. A single exposure can stay in the body for months, even though, theoretically, it should be eliminated within 45 days. In addition, liver damage can occur from contamination with tetrachloroethylene, as shown by the changes in this patient, and liver damage may account for the body's inability to eliminate this pollutant.
The use of the Roben Jig for preparation of clean coal samples of Western Canadian coals via density separation
Published in CIM Journal, 2023
M. Mackay, M. Holuszko, R. Leeder, J. Halko, H. Dexter, V. Bardwaj
In recent years, there has been a push to stop the use of naphtha, perchloroethylene, and methylene bromide owing to their detrimental effects on human health. Working with these fluids in coal testing laboratories requires extensive ventilation and the donning of personal protective equipment. Worker exposure to naphtha fumes can cause both dizziness and irritation of the skin. Prolonged exposure can lead to organ damage (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2021a). Upper respiratory tract irritation can occur when perchloroethylene (also known as tetrachloroethylene) fumes are inhaled; it can also cause eye irritation, neurological effects, and kidney and liver damage and is categorized as a probable carcinogen (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2021b; Sanz-Gallen et al., 2019). Methylene bromide (also called dibromomethane) fume inhalation can have sedative-like effects causing nausea and drunkenness. The central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and lungs can sustain damage after long-term exposure (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2021c).
An overview of selected emerging outdoor airborne pollutants and air quality issues: The need to reduce uncertainty about environmental and human impacts
Published in Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2020
Tetrachloroethylene also known as “perc” or tetrachloroethene is widely used for dry-cleaning fabrics and metal degreasing operations. Short-term high-level inhalation exposure of humans to “perc” produces irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, kidney dysfunction, and neurological effects such as behavioral changes, impairment of coordination, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, and unconsciousness. Long-term inhalation exposure includes neurological, including impaired cognitive and motor neurobehavioral performance. The EPA has classified tetrachloroethylene as likely carcinogenic to humans (ATSDR 2007). Galarneau et al. (2016) found that “perc” levels in Canada exceed the Quebec provincial guideline at least at one observation site during the period 2009–2013. This VOC is also on the CEPA list of toxics (CEPA 1999) and it can also damage plants (ECCC 2019). The WHO has proposed guidelines for this substance (WHO 2016a). Emission of “perc” has increased from 60 tons in 2009 to 118 tons in 2013 in Canada and amount to 79 tons in 2017 (ECCC 2019). Note that several environmental fines for violation of the CEPA (1999) environmental law occurs every year with respect to this pollutant across Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-enforcement/notifications.htmlreference), justifying maintaining the vigilance.