{"hq_id":"hq-p-hom-000286","name":"Commercial Carpet Cleaning with Perchloroethylene Residues (PERC, Dry Cleaning Solvent, Indoor Air Contamination, Neurotoxicity, IARC Group 2A)","category":{"primary":"home_cleaning","secondary":"carpet_cleaning","tags":["perchloroethylene","PERC","tetrachloroethylene","carpet cleaning","dry cleaning","indoor air","neurotoxicity","IARC 2A","VOC","liver toxicity"]},"product_tier":"HOM","overall_risk_level":"high","description":"Perchloroethylene (PERC, tetrachloroethylene, CAS 127-18-4) has been the dominant solvent in commercial dry cleaning for over 70 years and is also used in some carpet cleaning formulations, spot removers, and fabric refreshers. When PERC-based carpet cleaning methods are used in homes, the solvent's high volatility (vapor pressure 18.5 mmHg at 25C) and chemical stability mean it off-gasses from treated carpets for days to weeks after application, creating persistent indoor air contamination. PERC is classified IARC Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) based on evidence of bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma in dry cleaning workers. Acute effects include central nervous system depression (dizziness, headache, cognitive impairment), hepatotoxicity (elevated transaminases), and renal toxicity. Children living in homes with PERC-cleaned carpets have higher exposure per body weight due to floor-level activities and hand-to-mouth behavior on treated fibers. The EPA issued a final rule in 2023 under TSCA Section 6(a) to ban most consumer uses of PERC, with a phased compliance timeline extending to 2028, though existing stock in consumer products may persist beyond that date.","synthesis":{"derived_risk_level":"severe","synthesis_confidence":0.744,"synthesis_method":"compound_composition","context_used":"human_infant","context_source":"product_users","exposure_modifier":1,"vulnerability_escalated":true,"escalation_reason":"Infant exposure group","compounds_resolved":1,"compounds_total":1,"synthesis_date":"2026-05-09","synthesis_version":"1.2.0","methodology_note":"exposure_modifier and adjusted_magnitude are computed from ALETHEIA-calibrated heuristics (route × duration × frequency multipliers, clamped to [0.5, 1.4]). Multipliers are directionally informed by EPA Exposure Factors Handbook (2011) and CalEPA OEHHA but are not regulatory consensus. See /api/methodology for full disclosure."},"hazard_summary":{"sensitive_populations":"infants and young children (floor-level exposure, hand-to-mouth behavior on treated carpet), pregnant women (PERC crosses placenta — neurodevelopmental concern), elderly with hepatic impairment, residents of apartments above dry cleaning facilities","overall_risk":"high","primary_concerns":["IARC Group 2A probable human carcinogen — bladder cancer, NHL, multiple myeloma in exposed workers","Off-gasses from treated carpet for days to weeks creating persistent indoor air contamination","Floor-level PERC vapor concentration highest where infants and toddlers spend most time","EPA has finalized TSCA ban on most consumer PERC uses, confirming unreasonable risk finding"],"exposure_routes":"Inhalation (primary — PERC vapor off-gassing from treated carpet and fabric; denser than air, concentrates at floor level). Dermal (contact with treated carpet fibers — some dermal absorption)."},"exposure":{"routes":["inhalation","dermal"],"contact_types":["inhalation_chronic","dermal_contact"],"users":["adult","child","infant","elderly"],"duration":"acute_to_chronic","frequency":"quarterly","scenarios":["Commercial carpet cleaning service uses PERC-based method — residual PERC off-gasses at 100-1000 ug/m3 for 3-7 days in living space","Infant crawling on PERC-cleaned carpet: dermal contact with treated fibers and inhalation of floor-level vapor concentration (highest at ground level)","Repeat commercial carpet cleaning: cumulative PERC exposure 3-4 times per year with each event producing multi-day indoor air contamination","Home spot-cleaning with PERC-containing fabric cleaner: localized vapor exposure during application in enclosed room"],"notes":"Perchloroethylene: CAS 127-18-4; MW 165.83; BP 121C; vapor pressure 18.5 mmHg at 25C; denser than air (settles to floor level). IARC Group 2A (2014): probably carcinogenic to humans — evidence from bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma in dry cleaning workers. Neurotoxicity: impaired color vision, reduced reaction time, cognitive deficits in chronically exposed workers. Hepatotoxicity: trichloroacetic acid metabolite. EPA TSCA Section 6(a) final rule (2023): bans most consumer uses; industrial dry cleaning phase-out by 2028; consumer products by 2025. OSHA PEL: 100 ppm TWA (outdated — ACGIH TLV: 25 ppm). NTP: reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."},"consumer_guidance":{"usage_warning":"Avoid carpet cleaning services that use PERC or chlorinated solvents — request solvent-free hot water extraction (steam cleaning) or encapsulation methods. Check product labels for 'perchloroethylene,' 'tetrachloroethylene,' or 'PERC.' If PERC-based cleaning was performed, ventilate the space aggressively for minimum 72 hours (open windows, run fans) and keep infants and children off treated carpet for at least 7 days. The EPA has determined that PERC consumer uses present unreasonable risk and is phasing them out under TSCA.","safer_alternatives":["Hot water extraction (steam cleaning) — no solvent residues","Low-moisture encapsulation cleaning (crystallizing polymers)","GreenSeal or EPA Safer Choice-certified carpet cleaning services","Baking soda dry treatment for odor removal without solvents"]},"regulatory":{"applicable_regulations":[{"jurisdiction":"USA","regulation":"EPA TSCA Section 6(a) Final Rule — Perchloroethylene Risk Management","citation":"EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0720; TSCA Section 6(a); 88 FR XXXXX (2023 final rule)","requirements":"EPA finalized rule under TSCA Section 6(a) determining PERC presents unreasonable risk. Consumer uses: banned effective 2025. Industrial dry cleaning: 10-year phase-out (by 2033) with interim workplace controls. Aerosol consumer products: immediate ban upon effective date. Carpet and upholstery cleaning with PERC: prohibited for consumer use. OSHA PEL: 100 ppm TWA (not updated since 1971; ACGIH TLV: 25 ppm more protective). CERCLA reportable quantity: 100 lbs.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":"2023-12-01","enforcing_agency":"EPA OPPT / OSHA","penalties":null,"source_ref":null}],"certifications":[],"labeling":{"required_disclosures":[],"prop65_warning":{"required":null,"chemicals":[],"endpoint":null,"notes":null},"ghs_labeling":{"required":null,"signal_word":null,"pictograms":[],"hazard_statements":[],"notes":null},"hidden_ingredients":{"trade_secret_protected":null,"categories_hidden":[],"estimated_count":null,"known_concerns":null,"notes":null},"notes":null},"recalls":[],"regulatory_gap":null,"notes":null},"lifecycle":{"recyclable":false,"disposal_guidance":"PERC-containing products are hazardous waste — do not dispose in regular trash or drain. Take to household hazardous waste collection. PERC is a RCRA-listed hazardous waste (U210).","hazardous_waste":true,"expected_lifespan":"PERC chemically stable; products have 2-5 year shelf life. Indoor air contamination after use: 3-14 days depending on ventilation."},"formulation":{"form":"varies","key_ingredients":[],"certifications":[]},"materials":{"common":[],"concerning":[],"preferred":[]},"compound_composition":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000038","compound_name":null,"role":"active_solvent","typical_concentration":"IARC Group 2A; vapor pressure 18.5 mmHg; off-gasses from treated carpet for days to weeks; EPA TSCA Section 6 ban finalized 2023"}],"identifiers":{"common_names":["commercial carpet cleaning with perchloroethylene residues (perc, dry cleaning solvent, indoor air contamination, neurotoxicity, iarc group 2a)"],"aliases":[],"manufacturer":null,"brands":[]},"brand_examples":[],"brand_examples_disclaimer":null,"sources":[{"type":"expert_curation","name":"ALETHEIA Safety Database","date":"2026-03-26"}],"meta":{"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-26","timestamp":"2026-05-14T01:24:41.665Z"}}