Perchloroethylene

Perchloroethylene

Toxic Effects

  • Acute effects
    • Irritation of eye, nose and throat.
    • Central Nervous System:  Massive exposure can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, incoordination, coma and death.
  • Chronic effects
    • Central Nervous System:  Non-specific complaints like headache, dizziness, fatigue and incoordination.
    • Skin: Prolonged or repeated skin contact with liquid PCE can cause irritation and even burns.
    • Liver: Cirrhosis has been observed in workers exposed to high levels.
    • Note: When there is mixed exposure to trichloroethylene and other solvents there may be combined effects on target organs.

Main Industries and Occupations at Risk

  • Dry cleaning in laundries;
    • Degreasing and cleaning of metal parts and equipment in metalworking, automotive, aircraft, aerospace industries and shipyards;
    • Cleaning of lenses in the optical industry;
    • Used as a solvent in manufacture and use of printing ink, varnishes, adhesives, polishes, rubber coatings and silicones.

Medical Examinations

Indications:

  • Any occupational exposure to PCE.

Types of Tests and Frequency of Examinations

  • Pre-placement medical examinations: within three months of exposure
    • Clinical examination with emphasis on the central nervous system, skin and liver
      • Tests:
        • i.  Mid of workweek end-of-shift urinary trichloroacetic acid (U-TCA) determination (results to be corrected for specific gravity or urinary creatinine concentration).
        • ii.  Liver function tests (serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase).
        • For exposures that are irregular or intermittent, the test should be done at the end of the exposure period
      • Unfit for PCE exposure:
        • i.  Workers with liver diseases
        • ii.  Alcoholics and cases of solvent abuse
  • Periodic medical examinations: every 12 months
    • Clinical examination with particular emphasis on the central nervous system, skin and liver
    • Mid of workweek end-of-shift urinary trichloroacetic acid (U-TCA) determination (results to be corrected for specific gravity or urinary creatinine concentration)
    • For exposures that are irregular or intermittent, the test should be done at the end of the exposure period.

Pre-placement Medical Exam

1 Clinical examination $50
2 Mid-week end-of shift urinary trichloroacetic acid (U-TCA) $120
3 Liver function tests $35

12 monthly Periodic Medical Exam

1 Clinical examination $50
2 Mid-week end-of shift urinary trichloroacetic acid (U-TCA) $120
3 Liver function tests (if U-TCA exceeds Action level) $35