Environmental Pollutants
PCE in Coal Labs What is PERC/PCE?
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Our lawyers are currently investigating Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene - "PERC") exposure in coal lab testing. Consider a lawsuit if you were hurt after work in a float-sink laboratory.
Attention Float-Sink Coal Lab Workers: Below is a Government Fact Sheet on PERC, including health information. Get a free lawsuit review when you complete the form below.
What is Tetrachloroethylene?
Tetrachloroethylene (also known as
perchloroethene or "PERC") is a synthetic chemical. It is a colorless,
nonflammable and stable liquid at room temperature. Although it is liquid at
room temperature, it tends to evaporate into the air producing an ether-like
odor that may be detected at low concentrations. However, after a short period
of time the odor may become inconspicuous, thereby becoming an unreliable
warning signal.
Where is PERC used?
PERC is widely used in dry cleaning fabrics and
for metal-degreasing operations. It is also used as a starting material for
making other chemicals and some consumer products such as auto brake cleaners,
suede protectors, water repellants, silicone and belt lubricants. Specialized
aerosol cleaners, ignition wire driers, fabric finishers, spot removers,
adhesives and wood cleaners also use PERC as an ingredient.
How might I be exposed to PERC?
Humans can be exposed to PERC from
environmental and occupational sources and from consumer products. Background
levels of PERC are found in the air we breathe, in the water we drink, and in
the food we eat. Nevertheless, PERC is found most frequently in air and less
often in the water and food. Air close to dry cleaning shops and chemical waste
sites may have levels of PERC higher than background levels. The main route of
exposure to PERC for residents in the vicinity of such facilities is
inhalation.
How does PERC enter and leave my body?
PERC can enter the human
body through inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. Very little PERC in the air
can pass through the skin into the body. Most PERC leaves the human body from
the lungs when breathed out. A small amount of PERC is changed by the body and
eliminated from the body in urine within a few days. Some of the PERC that
entered the body can be found in the blood and other tissues, especially body
fat. Part of the PERC that is stored in fat may stay in the body for several
days or weeks before it is eliminated.
How can PERC affect my health?
The health effects of PERC depend on
the level and duration of exposure. PERC has been used safely as a general
anesthetic agent, since at high concentrations it is known to produce loss of
consciousness. When concentrations in the air are high - particularly in closed,
poorly ventilated areas - a single exposure to PERC can cause dizziness,
headache, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, difficulty in speaking and walking,
unconsciousness, and death. Skin irritation may result from repeated or extended
contact with PERC. By far the most significant exposure to PERC occurs in
industrial environments. Liver and central nervous system effects have been
observed in workers in industries using PERC.
Animal studies suggest that PERC has the potential to cause liver and kidney damage and developmental effects in the unborn. PERC can cause cancer in laboratory animals that were exposed to large amounts over their lifetimes.
The currently available information is not sufficient to determine the health effects from low levels of PERC exposure and whether PERC causes cancer in humans.
Is there a medical test to determine whether I have been exposed to
PERC?
Currently there is no readily available medical test to determine
the amount of PERC in a person's body. The best way to determine if an
individual has recently been exposed to PERC is to measure the amount of PERC in
the air of their residence.
Should I or my children see a doctor?
If you believe you or your
children are experiencing symptoms which you think might be related to PERC
exposure, you and your children should see your physician. You should explain to
the physician when, how and for how long you think you were exposed to
PERC.
see also:
PCE Coal Labs
Did Exposure to PCE in Coal Labs Cause Harm? Free Lawsuit ReviewCoal labs workers: Our lawyers can help if PCE caused health problems
Float Sink Labs
Get information about float sink labs and PCE from our law firmHurt by PCE exposure at float sink labs in WV? Our law firm can help
What is PERC/PCE?
Harmed by PERC (PCE) in a Float Sink Coal Lab? Free Lawsuit ReviewHurt from PERC exposure in WV? Get help from our environmental lawyers
