Abstract:
In Thailand, dry-cleaning shops are found in hotels, department stores and
even in living places. Perchloroethylene is used for dry-cleaning. It can damage to
liver, kidney, central nervous system and cause cancers.
The epidemiological study was conducted to assess the health risk of 62
dry-cleaning workers who are exposed to perchloroethylene by comparison with 62
non-exposed individuals. Perchloroethylene concentration was determined by
collecting air samples using NIOSH method (No.1003) in 17 dry-cleaning
workplaces. Blood samples were used to determine the liver functions (ALP, SGPT
and SGOT) and kidney functions (Creatinine and BUN). Central nervous system
damage was determined by a psychological test consisting of loss of a short-term
memory test and coordination test.
Results found that perchloroethylene concentration in workplaces ranged
from 0.001 to 37.60 ppm. The time-weight average exposure ranged from 0.001 to
10.14 ppm. The highest peak concentration was 402.30 ppm. Ventilation in
workplaces was related to perchloroethylene concentration obtained from both areas
and personal sampling (p<0.05). The risk of liver, kidney and central nervous system
damage in workers was not different from that of the non-exposed group. No
significant relationships were found between liver and kidney damage with studied
factors, but process and quantity of dry-cleaning were related to central nervous
system damage (p<0.05).
In order to prevent occupational diseases from chronic effect caused by
perchloroethylene, suitable workplace, proper personal protective equipment and a
health examination 1 time/year should be provided