Industrial Hygiene Report, Perchloroethylene at Morton Drive-In Cleaners, Chicago, Illinois

摘要

Worker exposures to perchloroethylene (127184) were determined at Morton Drive-In Cleaners (SIC-7216) in Chicago, Illinois on July 19, 1979. The survey was part of a NIOSH study of the health effects of occupational perchloroethylene exposure. The facility employed six workers. The company had no formal safety and industrial hygiene program. All air samples were below the OSHA perchloroethylene standard of 100 parts per million (ppm) for an 8 hour time weighted average, and 200ppm for a ceiling concentration. The author concludes that due to the possible carcinogenic properties of perchloroethylene, exposure to this chemical should be minimized. He recommends the use of ventilation systems, availability of respiratory protective equipment, use of protective clothing, worker education, and periodic leak inspection of storage containers and equipment.