Why Is This Important?

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is a colorless liquid widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics, and often referred to as "dry-cleaning fluid." In addition, it is used to degrease metal parts in the automotive and other metalworking industries and is found in paint stripping products and spot removers. Tetrachloroethylene is a common soil contaminant and is highly mobile in groundwater. It has been estimated that 85-90% of tetrachloroethylene produced is released into the air and 10% into water, with the remainder ending up in soil and biota. Tetrachloroethylene has been found in 38% of 9,232 surface water sampling sites throughout the United States. The estimated amount that most people might drink in water ranges from 0.0001 to 0.002 milligrams per day. Long term exposure in drinking water above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 5 ug/L can cause adverse effects to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Prolonged dermal exposure can cause irritation, dryness, and dermatitis. Scientific evidence shows PCE may cause cancer from prolonged exposure even at levels below the federal MCL. The US EPA classifies PCE as a probable human carcinogen.

Definition

The distribution of tetrachloroethylene in drinking water by community water system, population served, and year

Data Source

How the Measure is Calculated

• Numerator:

  Number of community water systems by PCE concentration in drinking water

• Denominator:

  Not applicable

Related Health Objectives and Indicators

Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicators:

• Arsenic in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Disinfection By Products in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Nitrate in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Radium in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Trichloroethylene in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Uranium in Community Drinking Water Systems

Health Topic Pages Related to: Tetrachloroethylene in Community Drinking Water Systems

• Water Quality