Pentachloroethane

Abstract

Pentachloroethane is a colorless liquid with sweetish camphor-like smell. Pentachloroethane is used as a solvent for oil and grease in metal cleaning industries. It is used to separate coal from impurities. No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of pentachloroethane are available and there is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of pentachloroethane. Pentachloroethane is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. Occupational exposure to pentachloroethane may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with pentachloroethane at workplaces where pentachloroethane is formed as a by-product. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to pentachloroethane via inhalation of ambient air. Breathing pentachloroethane can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. Exposure to pentachloroethane in long term may damage the liver and kidneys.