[Development of a rational monitoring strategy for workers exposed to tetrachloroethylene]

A 5 year follow-up of 130 workers exposed to tetrachlorethylene (dry cleaning) was performed, including measuring of exposure conditions (personal dosimetry, exposure tests) and clinical investigations. No signs of hepatoxicity of tetrachlorethylene could be detected, but slight derangements of nerval functions may develop in long-term exposed workers. Nerve motor and sensory conduction velocity shows a tendency to diminution. Recommendations are derived for biological monitoring and health surveillance of workers exposed to tetrachlorethylene.