Tetrachloroethylene (aka Perchlorethylene, Perchloroethylene, PERC)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Tetrachloroethylene is a colorless organic liquid with a mild, chloroform-like odor. The greatest use of tetrachloroethylene is in the textile industry, and as a component of aerosol dry-cleaning products. The major source of tetrachloroethylene in drinking water is discharge from factories and dry cleaners.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing tetrachloroethylene well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could have problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Standard value 1: 
5.00
Standard units 1: 
ppb
Input units: 
ug/L
ppb
Contaminant group: 
Standard type 1: 
MCL
Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Tetrachloroethylene levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level.

Typical range in Ohio: 
detection suggest human source
Major sources in drinking water: 
Discharge from factories and dry cleaners
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) are considered the best available technologies (BAT) for treatment of many organic contaminants including organic pesticides, volatile organic compound (VOCs), and Trihalomethanes (THMs) (by-products of chlorination). Treatment can be at the tap (called point of use or POU) or the entire house.

Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS