For many years drycleaners have used petroleum based solvents to “dry” clean clothes. These solvents include benzene, carbon tetrachloride, “stoddard solvent,” and most recently, tetrachloroethylene also known as perchloroethylene (PCE).
Several studies looking the health of people working in drycleaning facilities have shown a connection between the workplace exposures and several types of cancer and other diseases. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recognized the risk of cervical cancer for female drycleaners and recommended annual testing to check for the development of cancer.
