Presentation
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a complex syndrome of varying intensity and clinical presentation, and has been described in association with numerous exposures. Early diagnosis is essential to limit irreversible lung damage. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
When sufficient petroleum-based solvent vapors and oxygen are present, a fire can begin if an ignition source is present. Petroleum-based solvents with higher flashpoints and inherently safer machines are now on the market. [cdc.gov]
With a specific gravity greater than 1, tetrachloroethylene will be present as a dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) if sufficient quantities are released. [en.wikipedia.org]
Entire Body System
- Unconsciousness
Inhaling its vapors (particularly in closed, poorly ventilated areas) can cause dizziness, headache, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, difficulty in speaking and walking, unconsciousness, and death. [stargate.wikia.com]
The case is relative to a 45-year-old woman discovered unconscious in a laundry area. The concentrations of the solvents in tissues were determined and compared to other previously published fatalities. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Can cause headache, dizziness, stupor, unconsciousness. Skin May cause skin irritation, severe burns. [worldofmolecules.com]
Short-term exposure to high levels of perc can affect the central nervous system and may lead to unconsciousness or death, according to NIH. To help protect these workers, the U.S. [chemicalsafetyfacts.org]
Kidney problems can result from an exposure that causes unconsciousness. Such an episode can also affect the liver. Tetrachloroethylene causes skin and mild eye irritation. [nicnas.gov.au]
Gastrointestinal
- Nausea
Inhaling its vapors (particularly in closed, poorly ventilated areas) can cause dizziness, headache, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, difficulty in speaking and walking, unconsciousness, and death. [stargate.wikia.com]
[…] oxidizers; chemically-active metals such as lithium, beryllium & barium; caustic soda; sodium hydroxide; potash Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact Symptoms irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system; nausea [cdc.gov]
J / mol · K Safety Ingestion May cause nausea, vomiting. May damage liver and kidneys. May cause symptoms like for inhalation. Inhalation May irritate mucous membranes. Can cause headache, dizziness, stupor, unconsciousness. [worldofmolecules.com]
Signs of tetrachloroethylene poisoning in the short term include dizziness, faintness, headaches and nausea. Longer-term exposure can cause the same effects at lower doses. At high concentrations, seizures, collapse, coma and death have occurred. [nicnas.gov.au]
Tetrachloroethylene emission report Description In high concentrations, in air, with closed or poorly ventilated areas, single exposures to tetrachloroethylene may cause central nervous system effects leading to dizziness, headache, sleepiness, confusion, nausea [npi.gov.au]
- Vomiting
Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Medical observation is recommended for 24-48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. [chemicalbook.com]
J / mol · K Safety Ingestion May cause nausea, vomiting. May damage liver and kidneys. May cause symptoms like for inhalation. Inhalation May irritate mucous membranes. Can cause headache, dizziness, stupor, unconsciousness. [worldofmolecules.com]
Skin
- Flushing
[…] chemically-active metals such as lithium, beryllium & barium; caustic soda; sodium hydroxide; potash Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact Symptoms irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system; nausea; flush [cdc.gov]
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. [webmd.com]
While the water companies flushed the pipes to address this problem, people are still being exposed to PCE in the dry cleaning and textile industries, and from consumer products, and so the potential for an increased risk of illness remains real." [sciencedaily.com]
Neurologic
- Headache
Inhaling its vapors (particularly in closed, poorly ventilated areas) can cause dizziness, headache, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, difficulty in speaking and walking, unconsciousness, and death. [stargate.wikia.com]
[…] beryllium & barium; caustic soda; sodium hydroxide; potash Exposure Routes inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact Symptoms irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system; nausea; flush face, neck; dizziness, incoordination; headache [cdc.gov]
Can cause headache, dizziness, stupor, unconsciousness. Skin May cause skin irritation, severe burns. [worldofmolecules.com]
Signs of tetrachloroethylene poisoning in the short term include dizziness, faintness, headaches and nausea. Longer-term exposure can cause the same effects at lower doses. At high concentrations, seizures, collapse, coma and death have occurred. [nicnas.gov.au]
Symptoms associated with exposure include: depression of the central nervous system; damage to the liver and kidneys; impaired memory; confusion; dizziness; headache; drowsiness; and eye, nose, and throat irritation. [web.archive.org]
- Confusion
Inhaling its vapors (particularly in closed, poorly ventilated areas) can cause dizziness, headache, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, difficulty in speaking and walking, unconsciousness, and death. [stargate.wikia.com]
The difference in mean color confusion indices (CCI) was statistically significant for the Farnsworth test but not Lanthony's D-15d test [Farnsworth CCI mean difference = 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.003, 0.10; Lanthony CCI mean difference = [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Symptoms associated with exposure include: depression of the central nervous system; damage to the liver and kidneys; impaired memory; confusion; dizziness; headache; drowsiness; and eye, nose, and throat irritation. [web.archive.org]
Workup
Microbiology
- Pseudomonas
Induction of toluene oxidation activity in Pseudomonas mendocina KR1 and Pseudomonas sp. strain ENVPC5 by chlorinated Solvents and alkanes. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 61, 3479–3481 (1995). 23. Heald, S. & Jenkins, R.O. [nature.com]
Pseudomonas stutzeri OX1 naphthalene-oxidation activity is induced 3.0-fold by tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and 3.1-fold by trichloroethylene (TCE) at 100 µM. [doi.org]
Bioremediation has been successful under anaerobic conditions by reductive dechlorination by Dehalococcoides sp. and under aerobic conditions by cometabolism by Pseudomonas sp. [en.wikipedia.org]
Treatment
Instead of excavation or extraction for above-ground treatment or disposal, tetrachloroethylene contamination has been successfully remediated by chemical treatment or bioremediation. [en.wikipedia.org]
All the other anthelmintics tested were ineffective; no worms or only a few were expelled after treatment. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Granular Activated Carbon Filter Cartridges From EPA.gov NSF/ANSI Standard 58: Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems The following treatment method(s) have proven to be effective for removing tetrachloroethylene to below 0.005 mg/L or 5 ppb [h2odistributors.com]
Epidemiology
METHODS: The updated assessment of PCE synthesized and characterized a substantial database of epidemiological, experimental animal, and mechanistic studies. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
At the request of EPA, the National Research Council conducted an independent scientific review of the draft IRIS assessment of tetrachloroethylene from toxicologic, epidemiologic, and human clinical perspectives. [books.google.com]
Prevention
Prevent the release of vapours/mist into workplace air. Do not use near welding operations, flames or hot surfaces because of the risk of formation of toxic hydrogen chloride or phosgene. [web.archive.org]
[…] skin redness); liver damage; [potential occupational carcinogen] Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system, liver, kidneys, central nervous system Cancer Site [in animals: liver tumors] Personal Protection/Sanitation ( See protection codes ) Skin: Prevent [cdc.gov]
A second batch of preventive measures is in preparation including modifications of the machines to limit solvent exposure and a specific regulation concerning their inspection and maintenance. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]