Personal Injury Law

Iowa Workers' Compensation - Part III - PERC - Potential Hazards

By Steve Lombardi

Potential Hazards - Perchloroethylene (PERC) - In the U.S. PERC is the most commonly used drycleaning solvent and is also occasionally used as a spotting agent. PERC can enter the human body through both respiratory and dermal exposure. Although nonflammable, if PERC is heated sufficiently, thermal decomposition will result in the formation of hydrogen chloride and phosgene gases. Symptoms associated with respiratory exposure include the following: depression of the central nervous system; damage to the liver and kidneys; impaired memory; confusion; dizziness; headache; drowsiness; and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Repeated dermal exposure may result in dry, scaly, and fissured dermatitis.

Isn't it interesting that our system works to allow use of chemicals suspected of being a cancer catalyst rather than to preclude use until the user proves there is no link. This only encourages misinformation, disinformation and phony research. Let's keep learning.

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on February 04, 2008 (boomark / email).