Perovskite-type oxides ABO(3) (A = La, Sr; B = Mn, Co) are efficient catalysts for destruction of chlorinated hydrocarbons. At reaction temperatures <550 degrees C a reversible deactivation fakes place depending on the reaction temperature, space velocity and the kind of chlorinated hydrocarbon. Chloromethane, dichloromethane and 1,2 dichloroethane were completely decomposed in air without catalyst deactivation at temperatures above 550 degrees C.