What is PCE?
PCE (also called tetrachloroethene, perchloroethylene, and PERC) is a man-made chemical primarily used for dry cleaning fabrics and degreasing metal equipment. It is also used as a starting material for making other chemicals and used in some consumer products like glues, spot removers, and lubricants.
How can I be exposed to PCE?
PCE can be found in air, water, or soil.
PCE evaporates quickly from water or shallow soil into air. For this reason, PCE from contaminated soil or groundwater can move into the indoor air of homes or buildings through a process called vapor intrusion. People in these buildings can then be exposed to PCE by breathing contaminated air. Exposure can also occur in the home when small amounts of TCE are released into air when clothes are brought inside from the dry cleaner.
When PCE is in drinking water, it can enter the body not only from drinking it but also from breathing in steam during showering or bathing.
In some Massachusetts communities, PCE can leach from vinyl-lined asbestos cement (VLAC) pipes into drinking water. MassDEP encourages public water systems to replace VLAC pipes, reline with solvent-free methods, or flush and bleed systems to reduce PCE levels. Public water suppliers with VLAC pipes are required to monitor for PCE, especially in areas with dead-end lines where the chemical can build up.
How can PCE affect my health?
Short-term exposure to high levels of PCE may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches.
Long-term exposure to PCE can harm the central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and reproductive system.
Studies in animals showed PCE exposure during pregnancy may be linked to miscarriage, birth defects, and slowed growth of the baby.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers PCE likely to be carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure. Some studies suggest that PCE exposure might lead to a higher risk of bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
What is the drinking water standard for PCE?
The EPA and Massachusetts Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 0.005 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
In Massachusetts, local Boards of Health and Health Departments have the authority to regulate private wells and may establish criteria for their location, construction, water quality, and quantity. Additional information for residents who use private wells is available from MassDEP.
What are the testing requirements for PCE?
In Massachusetts, all public water systems are initially required to test for PCE for four consecutive quarters (every three months for a year) and repeat every three years. Based on the results, a public water system may reduce its testing frequency after approval by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).