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Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is a colorless organic liquid with a mild, chloroform-like odor. Its greatest use is in the textile industry, and as a component of aerosol dry-cleaning products.
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.
The maximum contaminant level for Tetrachloroethylene has been set at zero because EPA believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health problems described below.
Based on this Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible, considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants using suitable treatment technologies.
The MCL has been set at 5 parts per billion (ppb) because EPA believes, given present technology and resources, this is the lowest level to which water systems can reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking water.
These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these standards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public water supplies must abide by these regulations.
What is the Health Impact?
People who drink water containing tetrachloroethylene in excess of the Maximum Contaminant Level over many years could have problems with their liver and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Epic Water Filters Products Tested To Remove Tetrachloroethylene:
Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Filter >99%
Epic Pure Water Pitcher >99.4%
Epic Nano Water Pitcher >99.4%
Epic Outdoor Adventure Bottle Filter >99.4%
Other names know by:
Ethylene tetrachloride
Tetrachloroethene
Perchloroethylene
PCE
Ankilostin
Didakene
Fedal-un
Nema
Perclene
Persec
Tetlen
Tetracap
Tetraleno
Tetropil
Antisal 1
Dow-per
Perawin
Perchlor
Percosolv
Perk
Perklone
Tetraguer
Tetralex
Tetravec