Evaluation of personal exposure to volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in small-scale dry-cleaning facilities using passive sampling

Abstract

This study evaluates personal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in 50 workers from small-scale dry-cleaning facilities using optimized ePTFE passive samplers, analyzing 13 VOCs. At mean exposure levels, significant non-carcinogenic risks were identified for trichloroethylene (TCE), while carcinogenic risks were confirmed for five compounds: styrene, benzene, ethylbenzene, dichloroethene (DCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE). Workers most frequently reported health changes (48 %), followed by specific symptoms such as dry skin (24 %), fatigue (22 %), skin irritation (20 %), and eye fatigue (20 %), all of which were associated with exposure to different VOCs in the workplace. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and guidelines regarding working hours, particularly in small-scale workplaces. The VOC emissions from dry-cleaning facilities not only pose direct health risks to workers but also contribute to environmental pollution, highlighting the importance of proactive management and control measures in these businesses.