Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Stain / spot remover
Solvent-based stain removers; some formulations contain 1-bromopropane or perchloroethylene.
Also known as: carpet cleaner, stain remover
What this does NOT mean
Finding a factor documented in this product category does not establish that ordinary use of stain / spot remover causes cancer. It means research — through regulatory testing, recall records, or IARC review — has found that chemical present in this category. Whether it matters for you depends on formulation, dose, frequency, and route of exposure.
What has been documented
- Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)IARC Group 2AIARC Group 2AContains · high confidence
Perc is common in some carpet spot removers.
Evidence source: EPA CPDat
- 1-BromopropaneIARC Group 2BIARC Group 2BContains · high confidence
Replaced perc in some formulations; classified IARC Group 2B.
Evidence source: EPA CPDat
How to read this page
A factor appearing on this page means it has been documented in this product category — through EPA / FDA testing, IARC monographs, or regulatory recall records. Whether it presents a meaningful personal risk depends on the specific formulation, dose, and how you're exposed. Click any factor to read what science actually says about it, and where.