Physico-chemical and toxicological profile of perchloroethylene
In modern mechanical engineering, the quality of preparation of parts before applying electroplating or paint coatings determines the durability of products. Perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene, PE, chemical formula C2Cl4) is used to remove complex organic pollutants (coolants, preservative lubricants, oils).
PHE is a heavy, volatile, colorless liquid with the following properties:
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Density at 20 °C: 1,615–1,624 g/cm3;
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Boiling point: 119-122 °C;
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pH of the water extract of the stabilized reagent: 8-10;
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Fire safety: absolutely non-flammable substance.
The use of unstable PCB leads to the formation of hydrochloric acid upon contact with moisture, causing corrosion of the equipment. PHE is toxic to humans: the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as group 2A (probable carcinogens). The inhalation route is the main vector of exposure in workshops. Vapor concentrations above 200 ppm cause dizziness and nausea, and prolonged exposure leads to hepatitis and kidney failure. In case of contact with the eyes, the mucous membranes are washed for at least 10 minutes. In the aquatic environment, PE is harmful to aquatic organisms (LC50 for fish is 5 mg/l for 96 hours).
MPC standards and air monitoring in the Russian Federation
In the Russian Federation, the requirements for clean air are regulated by SanPiN 1.2.3685-21. They are much stricter than the European standards Directive 2017/164/EU.
MPC R.
Z. maximum one-time
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The standard in the Russian Federation (SanPiN 1.2.3685-21): 30 mg/m3
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EU standard (Directive 2017/164/EU): 275 mg/m3 (40 ppm)
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Hazard class in the Russian Federation: Class 3 (moderately dangerous)
MPC R.
Z. average shift
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The standard in the Russian Federation (SanPiN 1.2.3685-21): 10 mg/m3
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EU standard (Directive 2017/164/EU): 138 mg/m3 (20 ppm)
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Hazard class in the Russian Federation: Class 3
MPC atm. maximum one-time payment
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The standard in the Russian Federation (SanPiN 1.2.3685-21): 0.5 mg/m3
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EU regulation (Directive 2017/164/EU): —
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Hazard class in the Russian Federation: Class 2 (highly dangerous)
MPC atm. daily average
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The standard in the Russian Federation (SanPiN 1.2.3685-21): 0.06 mg/m3
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EU regulation (Directive 2017/164/EU): —
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Hazard class in the Russian Federation: Class 2
(Note: Maximum permissible concentration in the air of the working area; maximum permissible concentration atm. — maximum permissible concentration in atmospheric air).
The national average standard (10 mg/m3) is stricter than the European standard (138
