| Abstract |
Worker exposures to perchloroethylene (127184) (PCE) were surveyed in May 18, 1979, at Bradlin Cleaners (SIC-7216) in Detroit, Michigan. The company employed 11 workers. Time weighted average (TWA) personal PCE exposures ranged from 3.3 to 51 parts per million (ppm), and 5 minute peak concentrations ranged from 74 to 115ppm. One 15 minute sample yielded 52ppm PCE. All exposures were within OSHA TWA, 5 minute and 15 minute PCE standards of 100, 300 and 200, respectively. The author recommends that PCE exposures be kept as low as possible since the carcinogenicity of the compound has not been established. Workers should be provided with preplacement physical examinations, respirators and protective clothing, improved ventilation should be installed around all dry cleaning machines and recovery units, and workers should be informed about PCE hazards. Other recommendations include periodic inspection of equipment and PCE storage containers, direct piping of PCE solvent to the base tank of the dry cleaning machines, and proper disposal of PCE solvent residues. |
