Tetrachloroethylene: general information
Updated 2 July 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tetrachloroethylene-general-information-incident-management-and-toxicology/tetrachloroethylene-general-information
Overview
Tetrachloroethylene is a colourless, volatile liquid with a sweet odour. Other names for tetrachloroethylene include tetracap, tetrachloroethene and perchloroethylene (PCE).
Uses of tetrachloroethylene
Tetrachloroethylene is mainly used as a solvent for dry cleaning. It is also used for metal degreasing and cleaning and as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of refrigerants.
In the past, tetrachloroethylene was used as an anthelminthic in the treatment of hookworm and other nematode infestations.
How tetrachloroethylene gets into the environment
Tetrachloroethylene is released into the environment as a result of its use. The majority of tetrachloroethylene released enters the air, but it may also occur at low levels in soil, ground water and surface water.
Naturally occurring tetrachloroethylene has been found in some algae.
Exposure to tetrachloroethylene
The general public is only exposed to low levels of tetrachloroethylene as a contaminant in air, food or water, or from dry cleaned clothes. Individuals working in the dry-cleaning or metal degreasing industries may be exposed to higher levels of tetrachloroethylene, although safe limits are enforced to protect the employees. Such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.
How exposure to tetrachloroethylene can affect your health
The presence of tetrachloroethylene in the environment does not always lead to exposure. In order for it to cause any adverse health effects, you must come into contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing, eating, or drinking the substance or by skin contact. Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.
Breathing air contaminated with tetrachloroethylene may cause irritation to the nose, throat and lungs. Ingestion of tetrachloroethylene can cause burning in the mouth and throat, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Skin contact with tetrachloroethylene can cause irritation, reds skin and a rash. It can also be irritating to the eyes.
Tetrachloroethylene can be absorbed into the body following inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. This can cause excitement, headache and dizziness followed by drowsiness and loss of coordination. In severe cases it can cause an abnormal heart rate and coma.
Long-term inhalation exposure to tetrachloroethylene can cause damage to the kidneys, liver and nervous system.
Tetrachloroethylene and cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has concluded that there is enough evidence in animals, but limited evidence in humans that tetrachloroethylene can cause cancer. Therefore, it has classified tetrachloroethylene as probably having the ability to cause cancer in humans.
Vulnerable people
People with breathing problems such as asthma may be more sensitive to the effects of tetrachloroethylene.
Pregnancy and the unborn child
Available evidence does not indicate that exposure to tetrachloroethylene during pregnancy will have a direct effect on the unborn child. However, if the exposure to tetrachloroethylene causes the mother to become unwell this may affect the health of the unborn child.
Children
Children will be affected by tetrachloroethylene in the same way as adults.
What to do if you are exposed to tetrachloroethylene
It is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to a level of tetrachloroethylene high enough to cause adverse health effects. If you have any health concerns regarding exposure to tetrachloroethylene, seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.
Additional sources of information
UKTIS Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy
NHS.UK has more information on poisoning
The information contained in this document from the UKHSA Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards Directorate is correct at the time of its publication.
Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.
Feedback survey
Help us improve the compendium of chemical hazards by taking our short survey.