Residual tetrachloroethylene in dry-cleaned clothes.
A large amount of residual tetrachloroethylene (TCE), up to 13.6 mg/g, was found in dry-cleaned clothes. The amounts varied among dry-cleaning establishments as well as with the type of fiber. The causes of these variations are discussed. Air TCE concentrations in the closed environment of dry-cleaning outlets were elevated: the highest reading was 4.8 mg/m3. The expired air of outlet employees also showed an increased level of TCE (average, 36.9 micrograms/m3). Increased air contamination from TCE released from dry-cleaned clothes was also observed in the home of a consumer. To reduce environmental contamination from TCE released from any of these sources, the amount of residual TCE in dry-cleaned clothes should be minimized.
Kawauchi
T
T
Department of Hygiene, School of Medicine, University of Tokushima, Japan.
Nishiyama
K
K
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003020:Clothing; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D007846:Laundering; D008834:Microclimate; D013750:Tetrachloroethylene / Q000032:analysis*; D013784:Textiles
D000393:Air Pollutants; D013750:Tetrachloroethylene