Tetrachloroethylene (perc / PCE) — biological monitoring
When to suspect: Dry cleaning, metal vapour-degreasing, textile finishing, spot removers, some adhesives. Long half-life (lipophilic).
Blood PCE · urinary TCA (mg/L)
| Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Blood 0.5 | ACGIH BEI — prior to last shift of workweek |
| TCA 3.5 | ACGIH BEI — urine, end of workweek (mg/L) |
| Exhaled 5 ppm | ACGIH BEI — end-exhaled PCE, prior to last shift |
Urinary TCA is non-specific (also from TCE, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, chlorinated drinking water).
Biological exposure index
ACGIH BEI: blood PCE 0.5 mg/L; end-exhaled PCE 5 ppm (both prior to last shift); urine TCA 3.5 mg/L (end of workweek). TLV-TWA 25 ppm.
Basis: ACGIH BEI.
Sample collection & preparation
- Blood PCE: headspace/VOC vacutainer, full tube, refrigerate; timing critical (before last shift of workweek).
- Urine TCA: spot, end of workweek.
Statutory basis. Factories Act 1948 sets only AIR limits (Second Schedule TWA/STEL, s.41F) and mandates the hazardous-process exam (s.41C, ≤12-monthly); it gives NO blood/urine values. The ranges below are ACGIH BEI / OSHA / clinical benchmarks (India has not adopted biological limits into law).
Reference information for occupational-health professionals — not medical advice, and not a substitute for examination by a qualified physician.
All 27 agents — toxicology & biological monitoring
MedFactory — Occupational Health Centre software for Indian factories