Perchloroethylene (also called PERC) is a man-made chemical which colorless, nonflammable liquid. The largest user of PERC is the dry cleaning industry. It accounts for 80% to 85% of all dry cleaning fluid used. Textile mills, chlorofluorocarbon producers, vapor degreasing and metal cleaning operations, and makers of rubber coatings also use PERC. It can be added to aerosol formulations, solvent soaps, printing inks, adhesives, sealants, polishes, lubricants, and silicones. Typewriter correction fluid and shoe polish are among the consumer products that can contain PERC. Perchloroethylene evaporates when exposed to air. It dissolves only slightly when mixed with water. It is also used for degreasing metal parts and in manufacturing other chemicals. Tetrachloroethene is found in consumer products, including some paint and spot removers, water repellents, brake and wood cleaners, glues, and suede protectors. Other names for tetrachloroethene include PERC, tetrachloroethylene, perchloroethylene, and PCE.

Perchloroethylene has become the most widely used dry cleaning solvent in the world, essentially because of its efficient solvency, ease of recycling, and the available technology that allows for safe handling.

Benefits of perchloroethylene solvent include:

• A heavier specific gravity than water to provide increased mechanical agitation during the wash cycle

• Low viscosity and low surface tension to enhance penetration of fibers

• Quick evaporation, leaving no residue or odors

• Superior recyclability

• Safe for fabrics and dyes commonly found in the fashion industry

These solvents are nonflammable and have neither flash point nor a fire point. And since zoning ordinances are often less restrictive when using nonflammable solvents.