2 Answers

WHAT IS TETRACHLOROETHENE (PERC)?
Tetrachloroethene is a manufactured chemical that is widely used in the dry-cleaning of fabrics, including clothes. It is also used for degreasing metal parts and in manufacturing other chemicals. Tetrachloroethene is found in consumer products, including some paint and spot removers, water repellents, brake and wood cleaners, glues, and suede protectors. Other names for tetrachloroethene include PERC, tetrachloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and PCE. PERC is a commonly used name and will be used in the rest of the fact sheet.

PERC is a nonflammable, colorless liquid at room temperature. It readily evaporates into air and has an ether-like odor. Because most people stop noticing the odor of PERC in air after a short time, odor is not a reliable warning signal of PERC exposure.

HOW CAN I BE EXPOSED TO PERC?
People are exposed to PERC in air, water, and food. Exposure can also occur when PERC or material containing PERC (for example, soil) gets on the skin. For most people, almost all exposure is from PERC in air.

PERC gets into outdoor and indoor air by evaporation from industrial or dry-cleaning operations and from areas where chemical wastes are stored or disposed. Groundwater near these areas may become contaminated if PERC is improperly dumped or leaks into the ground. People may be exposed if they drink the contaminated water. They may also be exposed if PERC evaporates from contaminated drinking water into indoor air during cooking and washing. PERC may evaporate from contaminated groundwater and soil and into the indoor air of buildings above the contaminated area. PERC also may evaporate from dry-cleaned clothes and into indoor air or may get into indoor air after PERC-products, such as spot removers, are used. Indoor air PERC levels may get high if PERC-products are used in poorly ventilated areas.  

Click the link for more information: http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/chemicals/tetrachloroethene/

A degreaser. Bad stuff. Will shut down Tear ducts.