Perchloroethylene (PCE)

Definition

Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor that is primarily used as a solvent in dry cleaning and in various industrial processes. Its widespread use has led to significant environmental and health concerns, particularly due to its classification as a probable human carcinogen and its persistence in the environment, especially in groundwater contamination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PCE is primarily used in the dry cleaning industry due to its effectiveness as a solvent for removing stains from fabrics.
2. Due to its chemical stability, PCE can persist in the environment for long periods, making it a significant pollutant in soil and groundwater.
3. Exposure to PCE can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, leading to health issues such as dizziness, headaches, and long-term effects like liver damage and cancer.
4. Regulatory measures have been implemented to reduce PCE emissions and limit its use, especially in residential areas near dry cleaning facilities.
5. Bioremediation techniques are being researched and applied to effectively break down PCE in contaminated sites, utilizing microorganisms to degrade the compound.

Review Questions

• How does perchloroethylene's role in dry cleaning contribute to environmental concerns?
  • Perchloroethylene is widely used in the dry cleaning industry because of its ability to dissolve stains and clean fabrics without water. However, this extensive use has raised environmental concerns due to PCE's potential for groundwater contamination when improperly disposed of or when leaks occur at cleaning facilities. The chemical's stability means it doesn't break down easily in the environment, leading to long-lasting pollution problems.
• Evaluate the health risks associated with exposure to perchloroethylene in occupational settings.
  • Occupational exposure to perchloroethylene poses several health risks, including neurological effects such as dizziness and headaches, as well as more severe long-term impacts like liver damage and an increased risk of certain cancers. Workers in industries using PCE are at higher risk due to prolonged exposure. Regulatory agencies monitor these environments and recommend protective measures to mitigate health hazards.
• Discuss the effectiveness of bioremediation techniques for treating perchloroethylene contamination in groundwater.
  • Bioremediation techniques have shown promise for treating perchloroethylene contamination in groundwater by utilizing specific microorganisms that can break down PCE into less harmful compounds. This method offers an eco-friendly approach to remediation compared to traditional physical or chemical methods. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing these microbial processes and enhancing the conditions needed for effective degradation of PCE, aiming to restore contaminated sites while minimizing environmental impact.

Related terms

Chlorinated Solvents: Chlorinated solvents are organic compounds that contain chlorine and are commonly used for cleaning, degreasing, and as chemical intermediates in various industrial applications.

Groundwater Contamination: Groundwater contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances in the water stored underground, often resulting from industrial spills, improper waste disposal, or leaking underground storage tanks.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are a group of organic chemicals that have high vapor pressures at room temperature, leading to significant emissions into the air and potential health risks when inhaled.