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Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Environmental Health & Safety: PERC

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PERC

PERC: A Powerful Solvent with a Troubled Past

PERC, short for perchloroethylene (also known as tetrachloroethylene), is a colorless liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. It's been widely used in industrial and commercial applications for decades, but its environmental impact has led to increasing regulations and a gradual decline in its use.

Applications:

  • Dry Cleaning: PERC was the primary solvent used in dry cleaning for decades due to its effectiveness in removing stains and its ability to evaporate quickly, leaving garments clean and dry.
  • Metal Degreasing: PERC's ability to dissolve grease and oils made it ideal for degreasing metal parts in various industries, including automotive and aerospace.
  • Industrial Cleaning: PERC was used for general cleaning purposes in various industries, including electronics and manufacturing.

Environmental Concerns:

While PERC was effective, its environmental impact raised significant concerns:

  • Groundwater Contamination: PERC is a dense, non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) that can seep into groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources.
  • Air Pollution: Evaporation of PERC during use and disposal can release harmful vapors into the air, posing health risks.
  • Health Effects: Exposure to PERC can cause respiratory problems, liver damage, and potential cancer risks.

Alternatives and Regulations:

The environmental concerns associated with PERC have led to the development of safer alternatives and stricter regulations:

  • Alternative Solvents: New solvents, such as hydrocarbon-based cleaners and aqueous-based systems, are being developed and implemented.
  • Green Dry Cleaning: Eco-friendly dry cleaning methods, like wet cleaning and CO2-based cleaning, are gaining popularity.
  • Stricter Regulations: The EPA has established regulations for the use and disposal of PERC, aiming to reduce its environmental impact.

The Future of PERC:

The future of PERC is uncertain. While it remains in use in some industries, its widespread adoption is rapidly declining. As more sustainable alternatives become available, and regulations continue to tighten, the use of PERC is expected to decrease further.

Summary:

PERC, a powerful solvent, played a significant role in various industries but its environmental impact raised serious concerns. Its use is now subject to strict regulations, and alternative, safer solutions are becoming increasingly prevalent. As we transition towards a more sustainable future, PERC's role in industry will likely continue to diminish.

Test Your Knowledge

PERC Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the chemical name for PERC? a) Perchloroethane

Answer

b) Perchloroethylene

b) Perchloroethylene c) Tetrachloroethane d) Trichloroethylene

2. Which of the following was NOT a major application of PERC? a) Dry cleaning

Answer

d) Food processing

b) Metal degreasing c) Industrial cleaning d) Food processing

3. What is the primary environmental concern associated with PERC? a) Acid rain

Answer

b) Groundwater contamination

b) Groundwater contamination c) Ozone depletion d) Global warming

4. What is a major alternative to PERC in dry cleaning? a) Hydrocarbon-based cleaners

Answer

a) Hydrocarbon-based cleaners

b) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) c) Lead-based paints d) Pesticides

5. Which of the following statements is TRUE about the future of PERC? a) Its use is expected to increase significantly.

Answer

c) Its use is expected to decrease further.

b) Its use will remain constant. c) Its use is expected to decrease further. d) It will be completely banned worldwide.

PERC Exercise:

Task: Imagine you are a manager at a dry cleaning business. You are considering switching from PERC to a more environmentally friendly cleaning method. Research two different alternatives to PERC and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Which alternative would you recommend for your business, and why?

Exercise Correction

Here's a possible approach to this exercise:

Alternative 1: Hydrocarbon-based cleaners

  • Advantages: Less toxic than PERC, biodegradable, can be used in existing dry cleaning equipment.
  • Disadvantages: Flammable, may not be as effective on all stains, higher energy consumption.

Alternative 2: Wet Cleaning

  • Advantages: Environmentally friendly, uses water and biodegradable detergents, can clean a wider range of fabrics.
  • Disadvantages: Requires specialized equipment and training, may not be suitable for all garments, longer drying times.

Recommendation: The best alternative depends on your business's specific needs and resources. If you're looking for a direct replacement for PERC, hydrocarbon-based cleaners might be a good option. However, if you are willing to invest in new equipment and training, wet cleaning offers a more sustainable solution.

Important Note: The specific advantages and disadvantages of each alternative may vary depending on the specific products and technologies involved. Thorough research is essential for making an informed decision.

Books

  • "Environmental Chemistry" by Stanley E. Manahan (This comprehensive textbook covers a wide range of environmental chemistry topics, including the chemistry and environmental impact of solvents like PERC.)
  • "Dry Cleaning: A Guide to the Industry" by Robert A. Pivar (Offers a detailed overview of the dry cleaning industry, including the history and use of PERC, as well as alternative cleaning methods.)

Articles

  • "Perchloroethylene (PERC) Contamination: A Comprehensive Overview" by A. B. Rao and S. K. Singh (Published in the journal "Environmental Engineering Science", this article provides a thorough overview of PERC contamination, its sources, and remediation techniques.)
  • "The Green Revolution in Dry Cleaning" by Sarah Wildman (Published in "The New York Times", this article discusses the shift away from PERC in dry cleaning and the adoption of greener alternatives.)
  • "The Environmental Impact of Dry Cleaning" by The Environmental Protection Agency (This document provides a detailed overview of the environmental impacts of PERC used in dry cleaning, including air pollution, water contamination, and health risks.)

Online Resources

  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website: https://www.epa.gov/ (Search for "perchloroethylene" on the EPA website to access a wealth of information about the chemical, its regulations, and environmental risks.)
  • The Dry Cleaners & Launderers Association of America (DLAA) website: https://www.dlaanet.org/ (The DLAA provides information about the dry cleaning industry, including the use of PERC and alternatives.)
  • The Green Dry Cleaners Association website: https://www.greendrycleaners.org/ (This association promotes the use of environmentally friendly dry cleaning methods and provides information about safer alternatives to PERC.)

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