Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perchloroethylene (PCE) are common environmental contaminants that pose various risks to human health and the environment.
A recent ScienceDirect study revealed the detection of 66% PCE in homes with air concentrations from 1.6 to 70 μg/m3. The tests were mainly conducted on the exhaled breath of individuals living near contaminated sites. The VOCs in indoor air were also measured.
This article provides an overview of PCE, its environmental impacts, regulatory frameworks for addressing them, and future outlooks for managing them globally.
Historical Uses and Applications
PCE, also known as perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene, is a chemical that is widely used in dry cleaning and degreasing applications. It was also widely used to manufacture circuit boards for electronics, and it still is today. PCE can be found in many products, including paints, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dyes, pigments, etc.
According to the Virginia Health Department, most people can smell it at high levels. The article states that it can be smelled at a ratio of 1 (tetrachloroethylene):100000 (air). Most exposures happen due to breathing the vapors or direct contact with the liquid. The air near dry cleaner shops and waste sites may have a higher concentration than other areas.
Environmental Presence and Pathways
As you may know, PCE is a volatile organic compound (VOC). VOCs are chemicals that evaporate easily into the air at room temperature. They can also be released into the environment when heated or burned. This means they pose a risk for indoor air pollution as well as outdoor exposure.
As stated in a Springer Journal study, there has been a 49% decrease in VOCs in 2020. This has been a result of the government’s efforts since the 1990s. There is a high concentration of VOCs in the atmosphere in several places in Canada. The thriving oil and gas industrial sector may be responsible for a high concentration of VOCs in places like Alberta.
Here are some key aspects of PCE:
Sources of PCE:
- Industrial processes: PCE is commonly used as a solvent in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, and textile processing.
- Chemical manufacturing: PCE is produced as a byproduct in manufacturing certain chemicals.
- Vehicle emissions: PCE may be released into the environment through vehicle emissions, particularly in areas where it is used as a fuel additive.
Environmental presence:
- Air: PCE can volatilize into the air from industrial processes, spills, and certain products. Once in the air, it can be transported over long distances.
- Water: PCE can contaminate water through industrial discharges, improper disposal, and leakage from storage tanks. It may also enter water bodies through atmospheric deposition and surface runoff.
- Soil: Soil contamination can occur near industrial sites, waste disposal areas, and locations where PCE-containing products are used or stored.
Pathways of PCE:
- Air-water exchange: PCE can move between air and water through evaporation and re-deposition.
- Soil-water interaction: PCE in soil can leach into groundwater, leading to contamination of aquifers.
- Biological uptake: PCE can be taken up by plants and, in some cases, accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms.
- Volatilization: PCE in water and soil can volatilize into the air, contributing to atmospheric concentrations.
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Health and Ecological Risks
PCE is classified as a likely carcinogen by the EPA. This means it can cause cancer. This has been seen in the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis. According to TorHoerman Law, the water supply at Camp Lejeune was contaminated between 1953 and 1987. PCE was one of the primary contaminants in the water.
Exposure to PCE and other contaminants resulted in various forms of cancer in exposed veterans and their family members. In fact, the exposed individuals and their family members have also filed lawsuits against the government. If you are a victim of this, you can also file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
Besides carcinogenicity, here are some of the key concerns associated with PCE:
Health Risks:
- Neurological effects: Chronic exposure to PCE has been associated with neurological effects, including headaches, dizziness, and incoordination. Occupational exposure can lead to symptoms such as confusion and visual disturbances.
- Reproductive and developmental effects: PCE exposure has been linked to adverse reproductive effects, including infertility and developmental issues in unborn children. Pregnant women exposed to PCE may have an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
- Liver and kidney damage: PCE has been shown to cause damage to the liver and kidneys in both humans and animals. Prolonged exposure can lead to organ dysfunction.
Ecological Risks:
- Groundwater contamination: One of the significant environmental concerns associated with PCE is its potential to contaminate groundwater. Improper disposal or leakage from storage tanks can release PCE into the soil, where it can migrate and reach groundwater.
- Soil contamination: PCE can persist in soil, affecting the health of plants and potentially entering the food chain. This can have broader ecological implications.
- Air pollution: Volatile organic compounds, including PCE, can contribute to air pollution. Emissions during industrial processes or improper disposal can result in the release of PCE into the atmosphere.
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Regulatory Landscape
PCE is regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TSCA is a federal law that regulates chemicals in the United States. This law ensures that chemicals are safe for human health and the environment. In addition, TSCA requires manufacturers to provide information on their products’ health risks before they reach consumers.
The EPA has issued bans on PCE use in certain applications, but they have not been able to completely phase out its use. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, it was the first US state to ban perchloroethylene.
Many countries have established regulations and guidelines to limit exposure to PCE. These regulations often include guidelines for industrial processes, waste disposal, and emissions. In some cases, efforts are made to find and promote alternative chemicals or processes that are less harmful to human health and the environment. To conclude, it is evident that PCE is a highly volatile chemical with a wide range of uses. Its environmental presence and potential health risks have been well documented. However, there are still some uncertainties about how this compound may affect us. With continued research on alternatives and mitigation strategies for these substances, we hope to find ways to limit their use.
