Perchloroethylene
- Other solvents
- CAS 127-18-4
- IUPAC: 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethene
CarCareTruth tracks Perchloroethylene (CAS 127-18-4) as a car-care ingredient. It is listed on California's Proposition 65 and classified as a VOC.
Suspected of causing cancer via inhalation (H351, IARC Group 2A). Harmful if swallowed (H302), harmful in contact with skin (H312), and harmful if inhaled (H332). Causes skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319), and may cause drowsiness or dizziness (H336). Signal word WARNING (EU) / DANGER (US Prop 65 carcinogen disclosure).
Perchloroethylene (PERC, tetrachloroethylene) is used in some chlorinated brake cleaners as the primary solvent. It is a probable human carcinogen (IARC Group 2A) and ozone-depleting substance.
Note: Non-chlorinated brake cleaner formulas (typically acetone/heptane/CO2-based) are widely available and do not contain PERC. Where a choice exists, the non-chlorinated formula is strongly preferred on health and environmental grounds.
Regulatory status
- California Prop 65 listed (carcinogen)
- USEPA listed hazardous air pollutant (HAP)
- EU Annex XIV (SVHC, authorization required for some uses)
- CRC Brakleen: chlorinated formula contains PERC; non-chlorinated does not — verify by checking CAS 127-18-4 in Section 3
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- yes
- Prop 65 listed
- yes
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- yes
- Biodegradable
- no
- Bioaccumulative
- yes
- Persistent
- yes
- Ozone depleting
- yes
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 1/5
Common questions about Perchloroethylene
- What is Perchloroethylene used for in car care?
- Primary solvent in some chlorinated brake cleaners and degreasers
- Is Perchloroethylene a VOC?
- Yes. Perchloroethylene is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Perchloroethylene on California's Proposition 65 list?
- Yes. Perchloroethylene appears on California's Proposition 65 list.
No products on file contain this (yet)
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.