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EMISSIONS OF PERCHLOROETHYLENE FROM DRY CLEANED FABRICS
Citation:
Tichenor, B., L. Sparks, M. Jackson, Z. Guo, M. Mason, C. Lunket, AND S. Rasor. EMISSIONS OF PERCHLOROETHYLENE FROM DRY CLEANED FABRICS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-90/058.
Description:
The paper gives results of an evaluation of emissions of perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene) from dry cleaned fabrics to determine: how introducing fresh dry cleaning into a home affects the indoor concentration of perchloroethylene, and the effectiveness of "airing out" dry cleaned clothes in reducing perchloroethylene emissions. Small chamber tests were conducted to determine perchloroethylene emission characteristics for three fabrics at several air exchange rates. Test house studies were conducted to determine the indoor concentration of perchloroethylene due to the placement of dry cleaned clothing in the house. Assuming that test conditions were representative of normal dry cleaning and consumer practices, study results indicated that: (1) emissions from freshly dry cleaned clothing cause elevated levels of perchloroethylene in residences, (2) for the three fabrics tested, "airing out" dry cleaned clothing by consumers will not be effective in reducing perchloroethylene emissions, and (3) adsorptive surfaces (i.e., sinks) in residences can have a major impact on consumer exposure to perchloroethylene. It is emphasized that these conclusions are based on the results of the reported study. Significant variations in dry cleaning practices and/or in the mix of fabric and clothing being cleaned could provide different results and conclusions.