Management of toxic substances: dry cleaning sector
Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene, is commonly referred to as PERC or PCE. Although no longer produced in Canada, PERC continues to be imported, primarily for domestic use. Releases of PERC to the environment occur predominantly from the dry cleaning sector which is a major user of this solvent. Most of the PERC used in dry-cleaning is lost to the environment as air emissions during the dry-cleaning process, or into water from spills or improper disposal of wastes. PERC was added to the CEPA 1999 list of toxic substances on March 29, 2000. The final Tetrachloroethylene (Use in Dry Cleaning and Reporting Requirements) Regulations were passed into law on February 27, 2003.
Substance(s) Managed Under this Source
Strategic Options Report
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Risk Management Tool(s)
Tool(s) developed to manage risks associated with releases:
Other Information
Contact
Products Division
Chemical Sectors Directorate
Environment Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard, 9th Floor
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
Phone number: 819-938-4483 / 1-888-391-3426 (information)
Fax number: 819-938-4480 / 1-888-391-3695
Email address: products.produits@ec.gc.ca