Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-86-005-1679, Dutch Girl Cleaners, Springdale, Ohio.
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 86-005-1679, 1986 Mar; :1-10
Abstract
An environmental survey at Dutch Girl Cleaners (SIC-7216) in the Thriftway Mini Mall, Springdale, Ohio, was conducted on October 25, 1985, and air samples collected on October 30, 1985 from the cleaners, an adjacent supermarket and the enclosed pedestrian mall were analyzed for perchloroethylene (127184). The evaluation was requested by the Springdale, Ohio Health Commissioner to investigate complaints of odors originating from the dry cleaners. The dry cleaning process, and solvent recovery and ventilation systems were examined. The dry cleaner roof ventilator was found to need repair. An exhaust fan installed in the suspended ceiling at the rear of the dry cleaners exhausted air into the plenum between ceiling and roof shared by the supermarket. Corrosion in the exhaust duct of the solvent recovery system permitted steam and solvent to escape into the work area. Eight hour time weighted average (TWA) perchloroethylene concentrations were 135 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3) at the dry cleaner, 135 and 126mg/m3 at two locations in employee areas of the supermarket, and 79mg/m3 in the supermarket pedestrian aisle. The authors conclude that while perchloroethylene concentrations are below the OSHA 8 hour TWA standard of 670mg/m3, due to the carcinogenic potential of perchloroethylene a potential health hazard does exist at this location. Solvent recovery system repairs, outside venting of the exhaust fan, and repair of the roof ventilator are recommended.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; Region-5; Hazard-Confirmed; HETA-86-005-1679; Air-contamination; Ethylenes; Dry-cleaning-solvents; Dry-cleaning-industry; Carcinogens; Ventilation-equipment; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report;
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
NTIS Accession No.
PB86-221348
Identifying No.
HETA-86-005-1679
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
