Medical Surveillance

Perchloroethylene Surveillance

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is often known as dry-cleaning fluid. Also used in soil remediation, professionals working in dry cleaning or construction may be a risk for exposure.

How is the test performed?

Blood test

- How to Order? -

Setting up onsite medical surveillance is fast and easy. Contact us for details

When will I get my results?

Results are provided to the occupational health physician or occupational health nurse. Most results are reported within 7-10 business days of sample collection.

About Perchloroethylene Surveillance

Substance overview

Perchloroethylene

-also known as tetrachloroethylene, “perc” or PCE, is a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent. It is a colourless liquid widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics, hence it is sometimes called “dry-cleaning fluid.” It’s an excellent solvent of organic materials. Otherwise it is volatile, highly stable, and nonflammable. Usually as a mixture with other chlorocarbons, it is also used to degrease metal parts in the automotive and other metalworking industries.

What is Perchloroethylene and how is it used?

The major uses of PCE are in textile and dry-cleaning industries, construction/soil remediation, and metal degreasing.

Actual hazard of overexposure

Acute exposure to PCE may cause central nervous system depression and hepatic injury. Also, chronic low-level exposure is known to cause impairment of brain function and decreased memory. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified perchloroethylene as a Group 2A carcinogen, which means that it is probably carcinogenic to humans.
The carcinogenicity of PCE in humans has not been extensively studied; however, an increase in the incidence of cancer has been noted in dry cleaners working with PCE.

Signs and symptoms of overexposure include malaise, dizziness, headache, increased perspiration, fatigue, incoordination, skin rashes and impaired mental acuity. The major route of absorption of PCE is through the lungs.

Who is at risk for exposure

Perchloroethylene may affect the health of workers if it’s in a form that may be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Occupations such as dry cleaners, construction/soil remediation workers, automotive and other metal working industries are susceptible to danger from exposure to perchloroethylene. It is also found in consumer products including paint strippers and spot removers.

Clinical tests available to monitor

Blood test.