The atmospheric degradation and impact of perchloroethylene

The present paper reviews the existing literature on the atmospheric degradation and impact of perchloro‐ethylene (PER). Topics covered are: assessment of the relative importance of primary reactions of PER with OH, Cl, O₃ and other reactive species; other tropospheric sinks for PER; estimated tropospheric lifetime, observed concentrations and atmospheric budget calculations; breakdown mechanisms leading to the formation of phosgene, and possibly trichloroacetyl chloride and carbon tetrachloride; contribution of PER to atmospheric chlorine loading; impact of PER on tropospheric ozone formation; uptake and hydrolysis of degradation products by clouds, rainwater and the oceans; contribution of PER to chloride and acidity in rainwater; potential contribution of PER to trichloroacetic acid in the hydrosphere, soil and the biosphere.