Product Name: Tetrachloroethylene
CAS Number: 127-18-4
Synonyms: Perchloroethylene, Perc
Recommended Use: Industrial solvent, dry cleaning, degreasing agent
Manufacturer Details: Supplier contact information can be found on packaging or invoice documentation
Emergency Contact Number: Chemtrec: 1-800-424-9300 (US)
UN Number: UN1897
GHS Classification: Carcinogenicity (Category 2), Acute toxicity (Category 4, inhalation), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity (Category 3, narcotic effects)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Suspected of causing cancer, causes skin and eye irritation, harmful if inhaled, may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Pictograms: Health hazard, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors or mist, use in well-ventilated places, wear protective equipment, wash thoroughly after handling
Chemical Name: Tetrachloroethylene
Concentration: 99% or higher
Impurities: Traces of trichloroethylene and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane may be present in minimal concentrations
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air, keep at rest, provide oxygen if breathing is labored, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately, rinse skin with plenty of water and mild soap, consult physician if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eye cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing, seek medical advice
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, never administer anything by mouth to an unconscious person, contact a poison center or physician immediately
Extinguishing Media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam, or water spray
Specific Hazards: Non-flammable liquid, but decomposition can release toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and chlorine
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Precautions: Runoff from fire control may contaminate water sources, cool containers with flooding quantities of water from a safe distance
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, wear protective gloves, goggles, and suitable respirator
Spill Response: Stop leak if safe, prevent entry into waterways or drains, absorb with inert material like vermiculite, collect and place in suitable, labeled containers for disposal
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage, avoid discharge into environment, inform authorities if large spill enters water or public sewers
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated locations, avoid inhaling vapor or mist, keep containers tightly sealed, use proper grounding and bonding any time liquid is transferred
Storage: Store in cool, dry, locked facility, keep container upright and tightly closed, segregate from incompatible materials including strong oxidizers, strong alkalis, and metals such as aluminum, label storage area clearly
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 100 ppm TWA; ACGIH TLV: 25 ppm TWA
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical resistant gloves (neoprene or butyl rubber), splash-proof goggles, protective clothing, appropriate respirator if airborne concentrations exceed limits
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after working with product, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, sweet ether-like aroma
Odor Threshold: About 1 ppm
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: -22°C
Boiling Point: 121°C
Flash Point: None (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: 3 (butyl acetate=1)
Vapor Density: 5.8 (air=1)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (0.015% at 25°C), miscible with most organic solvents
Relative Density: 1.62 at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 2.53
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 490°C
Decomposition Temperature: Above 150°C can release toxic gases
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and recommended storage conditions
Incompatibilities: Reacts with strong alkalis, strong oxidizing agents, finely powdered metals
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Yields hydrogen chloride, phosgene, chlorine gas on thermal decomposition
Polymerization: Does not polymerize spontaneously
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LC50 (rat, inhalation): 5040 ppm/4h; LD50 (rat, oral): >2620 mg/kg
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure may affect liver, kidneys, and central nervous system
Carcinogenic Status: IARC: Group 2A (probable human carcinogen), NTP: reasonably anticipated human carcinogen
Symptoms: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, unconsciousness at high exposure
Other Effects: May aggravate pre-existing liver, kidney, or neurological disorders
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic life, LC50 (fish, 96h): 18.9 mg/L (Pimephales promelas)
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, persists in soil and groundwater environments
Bioaccumulation Potential: Moderate, bioconcentration factor (BCF): 49
Mobility in Soil: High volatility, significant leaching potential
Other Information: Can contaminate groundwater due to persistence and mobility
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, incineration or controlled combustion recommended using after-treatment to reduce emissions
Container Handling: Empty containers may retain product residue, do not reuse containers, triple rinse and puncture containers before disposal
Disposal Restrictions: Avoid pouring into drains, soil, or waterways, consult hazardous waste authorities
UN Number: UN1897
Proper Shipping Name: Tetrachloroethylene
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Toxic Substance
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Avoid rough handling and ensure all relevant documents accompany shipment
TSCA Status: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
SARA Title III: Reportable, Section 313 Toxic Chemical
OSHA Classification: Hazardous chemical
RCRA Status: Hazardous waste if discarded (U210)
California Prop 65: Carcinogen listing
EU Regulations: Subject to REACH registration, listed as hazardous substance
Other International Listings: Canada DSL, Australia AICS, Japan ENCS, China IECSC, Korea ECL
