September 2010
NIOSH Publication Number 2010-168c

Tetrachloroethylene

Synonyms & Trade Names
Perchlorethylene, Perchloroethylene, Perk, Tetrachlorethylene
CAS No.
127-18-4
RTECS No.
KX3850000
DOT ID & Guide
1897 160
Formula
Cl2C=CCl2
Conversion
1 ppm = 6.78 mg/m3
IDLH
Ca [150 ppm]
See: 127184
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
: Ca Minimize workplace exposure concentrations. See Appendix A
OSHA PEL
†: TWA 100 ppm
C 200 ppm (for 5 minutes in any 3-hour period), with a maximum peak of 300 ppm
Measurement Methods

NIOSH 1001
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a mild, chloroform-like odor.
MW:
165.8
BP:
250°F
FRZ:
-2°F
Sol:
0.02%
VP:
14 mmHg
IP:
9.32 eV
Sp.Gr:
1.62
Fl.P:
NA
UEL:
NA
LEL:
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; potash
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
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 system
Cancer 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

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0076   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0179