Perchloroethylene: acute occupational poisoning and a proposal for its replacement with other less toxic substances

[摘要] Perchloroethylene is used mainly as a solvent in dry cleaning, cleaning of electrical equipment, and degreasing of metal parts. The authors report a case of acute poisoning with perchloroethylene contracted by a maintenance worker when cleaning an electric transformer. Since perchloroethylene may cause severe poisoning and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified it as a probable carcinogen for humans, the authors have revised the main substances that may replace perchloroethylene in the workplace.

[学科分类] 内科医学

[关键词] perchloroethylene;chlorinated solvents;acute occupational poisoning;occupational medicine;alternatives to perchloroethylene;preventive measures