Worker exposure to aromatic volatile organic compounds in dry cleaning stores

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Chemistry
• Industrial Hygiene

Background:

• Dry cleaning industry commonly uses solvents like perchloroethylene (PERC).
• Alternative solvents containing aromatic compounds are increasingly used.
• Worker exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in dry cleaning is a concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare worker exposure to aromatic compounds and PERC in dry cleaning settings.
• To assess indoor air and breath concentrations of specific solvents.
• To investigate potential accumulation of solvents in workers over a work week.

Main Methods:

• Air sampling to measure indoor concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes.
• Breath analysis to determine worker exposure levels before and after work shifts.
• Monitoring of exposure over seven consecutive workdays (excluding Sunday).

Main Results:

• Higher concentrations of ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene, and o-xylene were found in air samples from facilities using specific alternative solvents compared to PERC.
• Breath concentrations of ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene, and o-xylene were significantly higher immediately after work than before.
• No significant difference in benzene and toluene breath concentrations was observed.
• A slight upward trend in ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene, and o-xylene breath concentrations was noted, attributed to daily solvent use rather than accumulation.

Conclusions:

• Dry cleaning workers using solvents containing aromatic compounds are exposed to elevated levels of certain aromatics compared to those using PERC.
• Further research is recommended to identify other potential air toxics in dry cleaning environments using these alternative solvents.
• Occupational exposure limits and safety protocols should consider the specific aromatic compounds present in alternative dry cleaning solvents.