Why in news?

• Tetrachloroethylene (also called perchloroethylene or PCE), a chemical widely used in dry cleaning and household products, has been linked to a tripling of the risk of significant liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. 
• PCE exposure occurs through air, water contamination, and products like adhesives and spot cleaners. 

About

• Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or perc (chemical formula C2Cl4),
• a non-flammable, stable, colorless, and dense liquid.
• Reacts with water to form dichloromethane and oxygen
• Insoluble or slightly soluble in water​
• Nonflammable and chemically stable under normal conditions
• Exposure can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory tract​

Uses and Applications

• Widely used as a solvent in dry cleaning of fabrics​
• Employed as a metal degreasing solvent in industry​
• Used in adhesives, paint removers, inks, and electrical transformer cooling fluids

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