A clear, colorless, non-flammable liquid with a characteristic odor. It is a widely used solvent, especially as a dry cleaning agent and as a degreaser.

These solvents can be present at low concentrations in groundwater under industrial areas. Where necessary, specialist treatment is used to protect public health by removing solvents from drinking water. 10 µg/l

also referred to as perchloroethene; a man-made solvent commonly used for metal degreasing and in dry-cleaning clothes