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Chemicals in Both Household and Commercial Products
Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ January 20, 2026
The following is basic information. Please visit the source sites as well as many factual based internet sites. Knowledge is key to wellness.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PERC) are two chemicals found both in household and commercial products.
First, Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a synthetic, volatile solvent widely used in industry and consumer products.
It does not occur naturally and exposure can harm multiple organs, with links to cancer and other serious health effects.
- A synthetic compound
- It is a clear, colorless, non-flammable, volatile liquid
- Chloroform-like
- Pleasant mild smell
- Sweet taste
Common Uses of TCE
TCE has historically been used in many industrial and consumer applications:
- Spot cleaners
- Paint removers
- Degreasing solvents
- Spray adhesives
- Dry cleaning
- Making of refrigerants and hydrofluorocarbons
- Cleaning wipes
- Aerosol cleaning products
- Tool cleaners
- Carpet cleaners
How Exposure Happens
You can be exposed to TCE through multiple environmental pathways:
- Air
- Water
- Soil
- Anywhere it is produced
- Inhaling it in
- Drinking it
- Eating it
Health Effects of TCE Exposure
Exposure to TCE can cause both acute and chronic health problems:
- Harmful effects on the nervous system, liver, respiratory system, kidneys, blood, immune system, heart, and body weight
- Kidney cancer
- Possible risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Liver disease
Second, Perchloroethylene (PERC)
Perchloroethylene (PERC), also known as tetrachloroethylene, is a synthetic solvent widely used in dry cleaning and industry.
Exposure can cause both short-term neurological effects and long-term organ damage, including cancer risks.
- Is a man-made chemical
- Non-flammable
- Colorless
- Evaporates in the air
- It can be a liquid or gas
- At room temperature, it is a colorless liquid
Common uses of PERC
- Dry cleaning
- Metal degreasing in manufacturing and auto repair shops
- Chemical production
- Consumer products such as carpet cleaners, lubricants, paint removers and sealants
How Exposure Happens
You may be exposed to PERC through:
- Air
- Water
- Soil
- Direct contact
Health Effects of PERC Exposure
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Difficulty speaking and walking
- Irritation to skin, lungs, eyes, nose and throat
Long-term exposure to PERC may lead to:
- Damage to your nervous system, vision, liver and kidneys
- Skin irritation
- Mood and behavior changes
- Cancer risks
Sources used:
- National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute, Trichloroethylene – Cancer-Causing Substances – NCI, accessed December 11, 2025.
- National Institute of Health, RoC Profile: Trichloroethylene; 15th RoC 2021, accessed December 11, 2025
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry, Trichloroethylene (TCE) | Public Health Statement | ATSDR, accessed December 11, 2025
- Newsday Long Island article, 2 chemicals targets, December 11, 2024, by Lisa I. Colangelo
- CDC, Health effects linked with trichlorethylene, accessed December 12, 2025
- National Cancer Institute, Trichloroethylene, accessed December 12, 2025
- New York State Department of Health, Trichloroethylene Fact Sheet, accessed December 12, 2025.
- OSHA, PERC – Dry cleaning, accessed December 12, 2025
- NY State Department of Health, PERC in the Air, accessed December 12, 2025
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public Health PERC, accessed December 12, 2025
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