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Perchloroethylene exposure in 28 dry-cleaning establishments and in 25 homes occupied by dry cleaners in Modena, Italy, was investigated. Environmental air samples and alveolar air samples from dry cleaners (n = 60) and from their family members (n = 23) were collected. The degree of perchloroethylene on the dry-cleaning premises varied widely from establishment to establishment. Spot sampling ranged from 0.6 to 75 mg/m3, whereas sampling by personal passive dosimeters ranged from 2.6 to 221.5 mg/m3 (8-h time weighted average values). Perchloroethylene in alveolar air samples collected at the end of the work day correlated closely with the 8-h time weighted average values (r = .750, p = .001), and correlated also with alveolar air samples collected at home in the evening (r = .665, p = .001) and the following morning (r = .549, p < .001). Perchloroethylene levels inside the homes of dry cleaners appeared significantly higher than in 29 houses selected as controls (Mann Whitney U test, p < .001). Perchloroethylene in alveolar air samples collected at home suggests that nonoccupational exposure to perchloroethylene for family members of dry cleaners exists.

Occupational exposure to various neurotoxic chemicals can impair color vision. We evaluated this possibility in toluene-exposed workers. Thirty-three rubber workers and 16 referents were studied. We estimated toluene exposure by measuring urinary excretion of the unmodified form of the solvent (i.e., TolU). Color vision was tested with the Lanthony D-15 desaturated panel, and the outcomes were expressed quantitatively with the Color Confusion Index and the Total Confusion Index. Toluene-exposed workers had a subclinical reduction in color vision, compared with referents. We related this effect to solvent cumulative exposure--estimated as the product of urinary excretion of unmodified toluene by previous toluene exposure duration. This approach supports the hypothesis that impairment progresses as exposure continues. In the examined group of workers, toluene exposure was within the occupational limit proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The observed loss in color vision raises doubts on the real protection afforded by this limit--at least for effects of the solvent on the eyes. Finally, the Total Confusion Index was a more sensitive index than the Color Confusion Index in the evaluation of toluene-related color-vision impairment, suggesting that this index should be adopted in future studies of the effects of chemicals on color perception.