Respirator selection
Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) respirator selectionC2Cl4
Dry-cleaning solvent, metal vapor degreasing, textile processing, chemical intermediate. Dry cleaning, metalworking.
These are federal OSHA limits. The PEL shown is the federal OSHA value. About two dozen states run their own OSHA-approved plans, and some — notably California (Cal/OSHA) — enforce lower or additional exposure limits. If you work under a state plan, check your state's PEL and enter it as a custom limit in the calculator.
Cartridge (limited use): Organic Vapor (OV) — Black band
An APR fitted with the correct cartridge is only adequate up to its MUC (below) — the cartridge must be able to capture tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene). NIOSH classifies perchloroethylene a potential occupational carcinogen (Ca): the Pocket Guide lists the OV gas-mask canister for ESCAPE ONLY (APF 50) and calls for SCBA/supplied air at detectable concentrations for work. Under the OSHA general PEL (100 ppm, 1910.1000 Table Z-2) an OV APR may be used up to its MUC, but the carcinogen designation argues for supplied air. You must establish a change-out schedule; never rely on taste or smell. See the cartridge & filter guide.
The OSHA limit for tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) is a ceiling value, not an 8-hour average. The MUC method below is defined for time-weighted limits, so apply professional judgment.
Calculator for Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene)
Result
Enter a concentration and an exposure limit to see the
compliant respirators and their Maximum Use Concentration.
Hazard ratio = concentration ÷ OEL · Minimum APF must meet or exceed it · MUC = APF × OEL (capped at IDLH). Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(i)(A), Table 1 — Assigned Protection Factors. Last verified 2026-07-16.
Maximum use concentration for Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) by respirator
MUC = APF × the OSHA PEL (100 ppm), capped at the IDLH (150 ppm). Use this as a reference for the highest concentration each respirator class may be used at.
| Respirator | APF | MUC (ppm) |
|---|---|---|
| Air-Purifying Respirator · Quarter mask | 5 | 150IDLH |
| Air-Purifying Respirator · Half mask | 10 | 150IDLH |
| Supplied-Air Respirator (Airline) · Half mask · Demand | 10 | 150IDLH |
| Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus · Half mask · Demand | 10 | 150IDLH |
| Powered Air-Purifying Respirator · Helmet / hood | 25 | 150IDLH |
| Powered Air-Purifying Respirator · Loose-fitting facepiece | 25 | 150IDLH |
| Supplied-Air Respirator (Airline) · Helmet / hood · Continuous flow | 25 | 150IDLH |
| Supplied-Air Respirator (Airline) · Loose-fitting facepiece · Continuous flow | 25 | 150IDLH |
| Air-Purifying Respirator · Full facepiece | 50 | 150IDLH |
| Powered Air-Purifying Respirator · Half mask | 50 | 150IDLH |
| Supplied-Air Respirator (Airline) · Full facepiece · Demand | 50 | 150IDLH |
| Supplied-Air Respirator (Airline) · Half mask · Continuous flow | 50 | 150IDLH |
| Supplied-Air Respirator (Airline) · Half mask · Pressure-demand / positive-pressure | 50 | 150IDLH |
| Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus · Full facepiece · Demand | 50 | 150IDLH |
| Powered Air-Purifying Respirator · Full facepiece | 1,000 | 150IDLH |
| Supplied-Air Respirator (Airline) · Full facepiece · Continuous flow | 1,000 | 150IDLH |
| Supplied-Air Respirator (Airline) · Full facepiece · Pressure-demand / positive-pressure | 1,000 | 150IDLH |
| Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus · Full facepiece · Pressure-demand / positive-pressure | 10,000 | 150IDLH |
Notes
NIOSH REL is Ca — potential occupational carcinogen, minimize workplace exposure, no numeric REL; nioshREL field intentionally omitted. OSHA PEL is a Table Z-2 multi-part limit TWA 100/C 200/300 ppm 5-min peak. IDLH Ca [150 ppm]; MW 165.8; conversion 1 ppm = 6.78 mg/m3.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0599.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/127184.html
- https://www.osha.gov/annotated-pels/table-z-2
Data confidence: high. Values are cited from OSHA and NIOSH but should be verified against the current source and a qualified professional before use. See how this works.