Description
The first dry cleaning agents were turpentine, kerosene, benzene, and gasoline. In 1991, 90% of U.S. dry cleaners used tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene). The highest exposures to dry cleaning workers occur during loading and unloading. In 1994, 70% of U.S. perchloroethylene machines were dry-to-dry machines that eliminate hazardous transfers. Other technologies to control exposures include alternate solvents and wet cleaning. [ILO Encyclo: Laundries, Garment and Dry Cleaning; https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/drycleaning/hazards.html]