On October 27, 2017, the International Agency for Cancer Research of the World Health Organization released a preliminary list of carcinogens for reference, with tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) listed as a Class 2A carcinogen. On July 23, 2019, tetrachloroethylene was listed as a toxic and harmful water pollutant.
Health hazards
This product has stimulating and anesthetic effects. Patients with acute inhalation poisoning may experience symptoms of upper respiratory tract irritation, tearing, and salivation. Subsequently, dizziness, headache, nausea, dyskinesia, and drunken symptoms may occur. After taking orally, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, blurred vision, numbness of limbs, and even excitement, convulsions, and even coma may occur, which can lead to death. Chronic effects: fatigue, dizziness, nausea, feeling drunk, etc. There may be liver damage. Repeated skin contact can cause dermatitis and eczema.
Environmental hazards
Most of the tetrachloroethylene released into the surrounding atmosphere decomposes due to sunlight, forming products such as hydrogen chloride, trichloroacetic acid, and carbon dioxide. Tetrachloroethylene in surface water evaporates rapidly and undergoes almost no degradation in the water. This compound is stable in groundwater, which is precisely the reason for the increased incidence of groundwater pollution caused by industrial spills and waste accumulation.
preventive measure
Engineering control: Closed operation, pay attention to ventilation. Mechanize and automate as much as possible. Provide safety showers and eye wash equipment.
Respiratory protection: When escaping from the air, it is recommended to wear a self priming filter type gas mask (half mask) and chemical safety goggles.
Body protection: Penetrating gas type protective clothing.
Hand protection: Wear chemical resistant gloves
Other protections: Smoking, eating, and drinking are strictly prohibited at the workplace. Store clothes contaminated with toxins separately and use them for backup after washing.