The subchronic toxicity of tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) administered in the drinking water of rats.

This study provides data on the effects of tetrachloroethylene in drinking solutions. The acute oral LD50 in male and female Charles River rats was found to be 3835 mg/kg for males and 3005 mg/kg for females. Male and female rats received theoretical daily doses of 14,400, and 1400 mg tetrachloroethylene/kg body wt/day for 90 consecutive days. There were no compound-related deaths. Body weights were significantly lower in male and female rats at the higher doses. There were no consistent dose-related effects on any of the hematological, clinical chemistry, or urinalysis parameters. 5'-Nucleotidase activity was increased in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting possible hepatotoxicity; however, other serum indicators of hepatic function were unaffected by the treatment. There were no gross pathological effects observed. Liver and kidney body weight ratios, but not brain weight ratios, were elevated at the higher doses. There was no other evidence of compound-related toxicity. These data suggest that exposure of humans to reported levels of tetrachloroethylene in drinking water (approximately 1 microgram/liter) does not constitute a serious health hazard.