Current Suspected Overdose Deaths in Delaware for 2024: Get Help Now!

Find school water testing results and additional resources

Attention Medicaid Participants: Eligibility Renewals Restarted April 1, 2023

Delaware.gov logo

Delaware Healthy Workplaces



Healthy Workplaces - Employees - Dry Cleaning

Exposure to hazardous chemicals is a daily risk for employees in the dry cleaning industry. Exposure can occur through:

  • Skin or eye contact during normal use or accidental spills or splashes.
  • Breathing vapors in buildings where the chemicals and solvents are used.

Perchloroethylene (PERC, aka tetrachloroethene) is the most commonly used dry cleaning solvent. PERC, along with other chemicals and solvents used in dry cleaning operations, have been associated with cancer and other health effects.

Hazards in Dry Cleaners

  • CANCER:
    • Exposure to cleaning agents and other chemicals in dry cleaners can increase employees risk of cancer.
    • Perchloroethylene (PERC), a common dry cleaning solvent, is considered a probable human carcinogen.
  • RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS:
    • Exposure to vapors and chemicals used in dry cleaning can cause short and long-term breathing problems.
    • Exposure to high concentrations of perc can lead to respiratory failure.
  • PHYSICAL INJURY:
    • Working with machines and equipment increase your risk of physical injuries on the job.
    • Skin contact with perc and other chemicals can results in skin irritation and dermatitis.

Preventing Exposure and Lowering Your Risk

  • EDUCATION:
    • Review the MSDS Sheets for the chemicals you work with.
    • Know the proper procedures for the equipment you use and Follow Them!
  • AWARENESS:
    • Inspect your work area and equipment regularly
    • Make sure ventilation equipment is on and working properly.
    • Report any problems with chemicals or equipment, such as spills or breakdowns, immediately.
  • PROTECTION:
    • Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for each activity.
    • Don't do anything or go anywhere you feel is unsafe.

If you don't see your job on these pages, or have additional questions,
call the Delaware Helpline at 1-800-464-HELP or
complete this online form.


Hyperlink to Healthy Workplaces - Employees- Service Industries

-
Back to Healthy Workplaces - Service Industries.


Healthy Workplaces - Employees - Dry Cleaning

Important
Links


US EPA
Dry Cleaning FAQ

__________

Alternatives to
Perchloroethylene

__________

Index of International
Chemical Safety Cards

__________

NIOSH Dry Cleaning
Information Page


Chemicals in
Dry Cleaners


2-Butoxyethanol

Chlorobenzene

Pentachloroethane

Petroleum distillates

Stoddard Solvent
__________

Perchloroethylene (Perc, PCE)
__________

1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane
__________

1,1,1-Trichloroethane
__________

Trichloroethene (TCE)


Download Adobe Acrobat Reader Please note: Some of the files available on this page are in Adobe PDF format which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded directly from Adobe . If you are using an assistive technology unable to read Adobe PDF, please either view the corresponding text only version (if available) or visit Adobe's Accessibility Tools page.



+