NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Tetrachloroethylene

CAS
127-18-4

Cl2C=CCl2

RTECS
KX3850000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Perchlorethylene, Perchloroethylene, Perk, Tetrachlorethylene
DOT ID & Guide
1897 / 160

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: Ca Minimize workplace exposure concentrations. See Appendix A
OSHA PEL†: TWA 100 ppm C 200 ppm 300 ppm (5-minute maximum peak in any 3-hours)
IDLH
Ca [150 ppm] See: 127184
Conversion
1 ppm = 6.78 mg/m3
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
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 1003; OSHA 1001
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
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
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]
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0076   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0179