Occupational and Environmental Exposure to Perchloroethylene (PCE) in Dry Cleaners and Their Family Members

Abstract

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.

Determination of Selected Volatile Organic Compounds in the Air of Dry-Cleaning Shops in the Athens Area: Pilot Study

“…PCE is a very common solvent for dry-cleaning, and it is clear that it is used in almost all dry-cleaning shops regardless of the kind of machine used. The concentrations of PCE found in the 19 samples were similar to those measured in dry-cleaning shops in Italy (0.6-75 mg W m -3 ) [6].…”

“…In conclusion, from the results of this pilot study it seems that indoor air in dry-cleaning shops is in an acceptable condition but it should be remembered that little is known about the effects to human health of chronic exposure to 'low' doses of PCE (or TCE) [6]. Finally, it must be noted that the samples were collected during winter, when the work-load is lighter.…”

Association between personal exposure to volatile organic compounds and asthma among US adult population

“…Another study from Italy reported signiWcantly higher levels of TCE among family members of dry cleaners (Aggazzotti et al 1994) raising concerns about health eVects from non-occupational sources. Another common indoor source of TCE is the slow release of the solvent from fabrics after dry cleaning of clothes.…”

Can We Still Miss Tetrachloroethylene-Induced Lung Disease? The Emperor Returns in New Clothes

“…TCE is a volatile liquid, and inhalation is the main mode of occupational exposure. Workers are exposed to TCE vapor at various steps of the dry-cleaning process, either by direct exposure to fumes, accidental spills, or evaporative emissions [2, 3]. While exposure standards have been in place for almost a quarter of a century [1], dry-cleaning workers continue to report health-related illnesses contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality [1, 4].…”

“…While exposure standards have been in place for almost a quarter of a century [1], dry-cleaning workers continue to report health-related illnesses contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality [1, 4]. In situations where appropriate preventive measures, as recommended by NIOSH [1, 5, 6], are not followed, the risk for developing complications is higher [3, 7]. In humans, there is clear evidence that TCE has toxic effects on the liver and kidneys [8].…”