The low flammability of the chlorinated solvents is one important consideration for using them in surface cleaning and product
formulations. Methylene chloride (MEC), perchloroethylene (PCE or perc), and trichloroethylene (TCE) are highly ignition
resistant. This is one of the reasons why the U.S. EPA, in its Significant New Alternatives Program (SNAP) for ozone depleting
substances (ODS), lists MEC, PCE and TCE as acceptable replacements for ODSs. The document also states that the three
chlorinated solvents should be used in aerosols only when non-flammability is a critical factor.
These chlorinated solvents have no flashpoint or firepoint, as determined by standard test methods. The flashpoint is
defined as the lowest temperature of a substance at which application of an ignition source causes the vapor of a specimen to ignite
under specific conditions. The tests commonly used to determine this temperature, as specified by the American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM), are the Tag Open Cup test (ASTM D 56), the Pensky-Martens test (ASTM D 93), and the
Setaflash test (ASTM D 3278 or D 3828).