Perchloroethylene: acute occupational poisoning and a proposal for its replacement with other less toxic substances

Abstract

Perchloroethylene is used mainly as a solvent in dry cleaning, cleaning of electrical equipment, and degreasing of metal parts. The authors report a case of acute poisoning with perchloroethylene contracted by a maintenance worker when cleaning an electric transformer. Since perchloroethylene may cause severe poisoning and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified it as a probable carcinogen for humans, the authors have revised the main substances that may replace perchloroethylene in the workplace. Med Pr. 2019;70(3):393–5

Keywords

• perchloroethylene
• chlorinated solvents
• acute occupational poisoning
• occupational medicine
• alternatives to perchloroethylene
• preventive measures