Perchloroethylene
- Other solvents
- CAS 127-18-4
- IUPAC: 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethene
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
No products on file contain this (yet)
Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.