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EVALUATION OF PERCHLOROETHYLENE EMISSIONS FROM DRY CLEANED FABRICS
Citation:
Tichenor, B., L. Sparks, AND M. Jackson. EVALUATION OF PERCHLOROETHYLENE EMISSIONS FROM DRY CLEANED FABRICS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-88/061 (NTIS PB89118681), 1988.
Description:
The report gives results of short-term evaluation of perchloroethylene (perc) from dry cleaned fabrics to determine: (1) how the introduction of fresh dry cleaning into a house affects the indoor concentration of perc, and (2) the effectiveness of 'airing-out' for reducing perc emissions. Small chamber tests were conducted to determine perc emission characteristics for three fabrics at several temperatures and air exchange rates. Test house studies were conducted to determine the indoor concentration of perc due to the placement of dry cleaned clothing in the house. Based on study results, and assuming that test conditions were representative of normal dry cleaning and consumer practices, the following conclusions were reached: (a) emissions from freshly dry cleaned clothing cause elevated levels of perchloroethylene in residences; and (b) for the three fabrics tested, 'airing-out' of dry cleaned clothing by consumers will not be effective in reducing perchloroethylene emissions. Significant variations in dry cleaning practices and/or in the mix of fabrics and clothing being cleaned could provide different results and conclusions.