Dry Cleaning and Public Health: The Hidden Risks of Perchloroethylene
Perchloroethylene, a chemical solvent widely associated with traditional dry cleaning, can pose health risks when exposure is not properly controlled. An investigation conducted by Morocco’s Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Centre, under the Ministry of Health, highlighted concerns about the use of this substance in dry-cleaning establishments, particularly when appropriate safety precautions are not followed.
Colourless and volatile, perchloroethylene is also known as tetrachloroethylene or simply “perc.” It can dissolve grease and certain stains without using water, making it useful in dry-cleaning processes. However, its chemical properties require careful handling, especially in workplaces where employees may be repeatedly exposed to its vapours.
A solvent that can affect several organs
Perchloroethylene can enter the body primarily through inhalation, although exposure may also occur through skin contact with the liquid.
According to information published by Morocco’s Ministry of Health, improper exposure can trigger a range of symptoms. These may include headaches, dizziness, disorientation and other neurological effects. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also occur.
Contact with the chemical can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, while inhaling its vapours can irritate the respiratory tract. In cases of substantial exposure, the consequences can be more serious.
The concerns extend beyond immediate symptoms. Repeated exposure or contact with high concentrations may affect the nervous system, liver and kidneys. Toxicological evidence therefore highlights the importance of limiting occupational exposure and preventing solvent leaks or vapour emissions in workplaces.
Why are dry-cleaning workers particularly at risk?
Exposure in dry-cleaning establishments depends on several factors, including the chemicals used, the condition of the equipment, ventilation and working practices. Vapours may be released during certain operations, such as opening cleaning machines, removing stains manually or using poorly maintained equipment with inadequate seals.
Workers who regularly handle the solvent may consequently face greater exposure than customers who visit a shop occasionally to drop off or collect their clothes. However, people working or living near a dry-cleaning business may also be affected if vapours escape into neighbouring spaces.
Prevention involves several measures: using suitable equipment, ensuring effective ventilation, maintaining machinery, controlling emissions at their source and training employees to handle hazardous chemicals safely. Depending on the task, personal protective equipment may also be necessary. However, protective equipment does not replace technical measures designed to reduce contamination in the air.
A chemical classified as probably carcinogenic
Perchloroethylene has attracted particular attention because of its potential long-term effects. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified it as probably carcinogenic to humans. This classification indicates that the scientific evidence warrants concern about a possible cancer risk; it does not mean that every exposure will cause cancer.
Health assessments have also identified potential effects on the nervous system and certain organs, depending on the dose, duration and circumstances of exposure. The level of risk therefore depends on several factors and cannot be determined solely by establishing that the chemical is present in a workplace.
It is important to distinguish between a substance’s intrinsic hazard and the actual risk associated with a particular situation. A hazard refers to a substance’s ability to cause harm, while risk depends, among other things, on the amount absorbed, the frequency of exposure and the preventive measures in place.
How can exposure be reduced?
Reducing the risks begins with better control of the chemical in establishments that use it. Properly maintained machines, suitable ventilation systems and strict handling procedures can help limit the concentration of vapours in the air.
Workers should be informed about possible symptoms, unsafe practices and the procedures to follow in the event of a leak or accidental contact. Employers should also consider replacing perchloroethylene with less hazardous products or methods whenever suitable alternatives are available, while assessing the safety of those alternatives rather than assuming they are risk-free.
For customers, a persistent solvent smell on clothing or inside a dry-cleaning shop is not enough on its own to establish the level of exposure. Anyone concerned can ask the business about its cleaning methods and safety procedures. Clothing should be handled according to the establishment’s instructions and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If significant exposure occurs or symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or breathing difficulties develop after contact with the chemical, the person should move away from the source and seek prompt medical advice. Severe breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness require emergency medical assistance.
Better information is essential for prevention
Perchloroethylene illustrates the potential risks associated with chemicals used in everyday commercial activities. The concerns are not limited to people who handle the solvent directly. Effective prevention must also consider workplace ventilation, equipment maintenance and possible exposure among people in nearby areas.
The aim is not to create unnecessary alarm about all dry-cleaning businesses, but to emphasise that hazardous solvents require strict safety procedures and clear information. Better prevention, appropriate monitoring and the use of less hazardous alternatives where feasible can help protect both workers and the public.
