Helena Joyce
Dry cleaning establishments are a source of pollution due to the use of chlorinated solvents, especially PCE or perchloroethylene (PERC), a known animal carcinogen and probable human carcinogen. PERC is a colourless, clear liquid with an ethereal odour and is the most commonly used dry cleaning solvent. It contaminates the soil and groundwater around dry cleaning plants due to leaks and spills, and its resistance to environmental degradation means it persists in the environment for decades. This has led to dry cleaners being the leading source of environmental liability at commercial retail properties. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has acknowledged the health risks of PERC exposure, and while there are currently no specific OSHA standards for dry cleaning, exposures related to dry cleaning hazards are addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemicals used | Perchloroethylene (PERC), Stoddard solvent, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Petroleum solvents |
| Health risks | Central nervous system depression, liver and kidney damage, impaired memory, confusion, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, eye/nose/throat irritation, dermatitis, cancer |
| Environmental risks | Groundwater contamination, vapor intrusion, sewer line leakage, air pollution, smog |
| Solutions | Engineering controls, work practice controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilation, modern machines, alternative chemicals |
| Regulatory bodies | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
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What You'll Learn
- Dry cleaning operations emit hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a probable human carcinogen and the most commonly used dry cleaning solvent
- Other contaminants include petroleum-based solvents, Stoddard solvent, and Freon 113
- Dry cleaning activities cause environmental contamination that may pose serious health risks
- Possible solutions: engineering controls, work practice controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE)
Dry cleaning operations emit hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Other chlorinated solvents historically associated with dry cleaning include trichloroethylene (TCE) and Freon 113 (1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane). While modern equipment and preventive measures have reduced accidental spills and leaks, the environmental impact of decades of dry cleaning activities persists. Tens to hundreds of millions of gallons of chlorinated solvents are still used annually, and their chemical pollution can remain in the environment for decades due to resistance to degradation.
The use of petroleum-based solvents in dry cleaning has also been a source of contamination. While they have gradually replaced chlorinated solvents, petroleum solvents can release some HAPs and VOCs. Additionally, the chemicals in these solvents can react with sunlight to contribute to ground-level ozone (smog), causing respiratory issues.
To address these environmental and health concerns, regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed standards and initiatives. The EPA's National Emission Standards aim to control hazardous air pollutants from perchloroethylene dry cleaning facilities. Additionally, programs like Indiana's 5-Star Environmental Recognition Program for Dry Cleaners encourage pollution prevention and offer incentives for compliance.
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Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a probable human carcinogen and the most commonly used dry cleaning solvent
Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a colourless, clear, heavy liquid with a distinct ethereal odour. It is a known animal carcinogen and a probable human carcinogen. PERC is the most commonly used dry-cleaning solvent, with approximately 90% of dry cleaners in the US using it in their machines.
The chemical is associated with several health hazards. Exposure to PERC may occur through skin absorption, eye contact, or inhalation of vapours. Symptoms associated with exposure include central nervous system depression, damage to the liver and kidneys, impaired memory, confusion, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Repeated dermal exposure may also result in dermatitis.
Due to its hazardous nature, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sponsored an engineering control technology study in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This evaluation found high exposures to PERC in the dry cleaning industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has also set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for PERC at 100 ppm, as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
To address the hazards associated with PERC, engineering and work practice controls are the first line of defence. Modern dry cleaning machines can dramatically reduce exposures, improve safety, and facilitate compliance with health and environmental regulations. Additionally, personal protective equipment (PPE) is used when engineering and work practice controls cannot sufficiently reduce employee exposure.
With the development of alternative, safer chemicals, a total replacement of PERC in dry cleaning operations was expected by 2020.
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Other contaminants include petroleum-based solvents, Stoddard solvent, and Freon 113
Dry cleaning processes are associated with several hazards, including chemical, fire, and ergonomic-related risks. Workers in this industry may be exposed to hazardous chemicals through skin absorption, eye contact, or inhalation of vapors. While this answer focuses on other contaminants, it is important to note that perchloroethylene (PERC), a potential human carcinogen, is the most commonly used dry cleaning solvent.
Other contaminants in the dry cleaning process include petroleum-based solvents, Stoddard solvent, and Freon 113. These chemicals can pose significant health risks to workers and require proper handling and disposal to minimize negative environmental impacts. Petroleum-based solvents, for example, can cause skin and eye irritation, and when inhaled, can lead to respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure may result in more severe health problems, including central nervous system depression and damage to internal organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Stoddard solvent, also known as mineral spirit, is a petroleum-derived solvent mixture commonly used in industrial settings. It is characterized by a strong odour and is considered a hazardous substance due to its flammable nature and potential health effects. Exposure to Stoddard solvent can cause similar health issues as those associated with PERC, including dizziness, headaches, and impaired memory. Inhalation of Stoddard solvent vapors can lead to respiratory tract irritation and, in severe cases, pulmonary edema.
Freon 113, chemically known as 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, is an odorless, non-flammable, and stable compound. It was commonly used in industrial applications, including dry cleaning, before being phased out due to environmental concerns. Freon 113 is a potent greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance, contributing to the depletion of the Earth's protective ozone layer. Exposure to Freon 113 can cause respiratory irritation and, in high concentrations, may lead to central nervous system depression and even death.
To mitigate the environmental and health impacts of these contaminants, dry cleaning facilities should adhere to strict safety protocols. Proper ventilation, the use of personal protective equipment, and the implementation of hazard control measures are crucial to minimizing worker exposure and reducing the environmental footprint of the dry cleaning industry.
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Dry cleaning activities cause environmental contamination that may pose serious health risks
The contamination from dry cleaning activities is not limited to the immediate vicinity of the cleaning establishments but can also affect nearby residents. For example, individuals living within close proximity to dry cleaners may be at risk of exposure to contaminated groundwater solvent plumes, where solvents evaporate and intrude into the breathing air, a phenomenon known as vapor intrusion. Additionally, dry cleaning operations emit hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to health problems for shop employees, customers, and the wider community.
The main source of pollution from dry cleaners is the solvent used in the cleaning process, with PCE and petroleum solvents being the most common. These solvents can leak through sewer lines, leading to the contamination of water bodies. Historically, other contaminants have been associated with dry cleaning, such as Freon 113 and petroleum-based solvents. While modern equipment and preventive measures have reduced accidental spills and leaks, the environmental impact of past dry cleaning activities persists.
To address these environmental and health concerns, efforts are being made to replace PCE with alternative, safer chemicals. By 2020, a total replacement of PCE in dry cleaning operations was expected. Additionally, engineering and work practice controls, along with personal protective equipment (PPE), play a crucial role in minimizing employee exposure to hazards. Publications by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offer valuable information on reducing exposure to PCE, ventilation, spotting chemical hazards, fire hazards, and ergonomic risks associated with dry cleaning processes.
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Possible solutions: engineering controls, work practice controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE)
The dry cleaning industry has been associated with various health and safety hazards, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, fire, and ergonomic risks. Perchloroethylene (PERC), a potential human carcinogen, is the most common dry cleaning solvent, and exposure to it can lead to nervous system depression, liver and kidney damage, impaired memory, confusion, dizziness, headaches, and eye, nose, and throat irritation.
To mitigate these risks, dry cleaners can implement the following engineering controls:
- Effective ventilation systems: Improving ventilation is one of the least expensive ways to reduce PERC exposure.
- Vapor recovery devices: Modern dry cleaning machines can be equipped with vapor recovery devices to capture and contain PERC vapors.
- Retrofit engineering control interventions: Retrofitting existing dry cleaning machines with engineering control devices can help reduce worker exposure to PERC.
Work practice controls are also essential in reducing hazards in dry cleaning:
- Isolation of processes: Separating spotting chemical processes from other operations can help minimize chemical exposure and fire hazards.
- Ergonomic improvements: Implementing ergonomic measures can reduce the risk of injuries during garment transfer, pressing, and bagging activities.
- Safe work practices: This includes proper training on loading and unloading machines, maintenance procedures, spotting, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
In cases where engineering and work practice controls are insufficient, personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used as a final line of defense. PPE for dry cleaners may include:
- Gloves: To protect the skin from direct contact with hazardous chemicals like PERC and spotting agents.
- Eye protection: Goggles or face shields can prevent eye irritation and potential eye damage from chemical exposure.
- Respiratory protection: Masks or respirators can reduce the inhalation of harmful vapors, especially during operations with high chemical exposure, such as loading/unloading machines or spotting.
- Aprons: These can be worn to protect clothing and reduce the risk of skin exposure to chemicals.
It is important to note that the selection and use of PPE may vary depending on the specific situation and context. Proper training and compliance with PPE usage are crucial to ensuring the safety of dry cleaning workers.
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Frequently asked questions
Dry cleaning operations emit pollutants such as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The main source of pollution is the solvent used in the cleaning process, which can contaminate groundwater.
The most common solvents are perchloroethylene (PCE or PERC) and petroleum solvents. Historically, other contaminants have been associated with dry cleaning, such as chlorinated solvents and Freon 113.
These chemicals are toxic and mobile in the environment, particularly through their volatile nature. They can also react with sunlight to contribute to ground-level ozone (smog), which has been linked to respiratory issues.
Exposure to perchloroethylene can occur through skin absorption, eye contact, or inhalation of vapors. Symptoms associated with exposure include central nervous system depression, liver and kidney damage, impaired memory, confusion, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Repeated exposure can also result in dermatitis.
Engineering and work practice controls are the first line of defense against dry cleaning hazards. When these controls are insufficient, personal protective equipment (PPE) is used. Modern dry cleaning machines may also dramatically reduce exposures and permit easier compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
