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Indeklimavurdering af alternative rensevæsker i renseribranchen English SummaryThe project has been divided into several phases, which together illustrate the following problems within chemical dry-cleaning of textiles using hydrocarbon and Rynex-cleaning fluid: The background levels of selected active components in the above-mentioned cleaning fluids in the indoor air of unaffected housing The effect on the indoor air quality in housing above dry-cleaning establishments that use hydrocarbon and/or Rynex cleaning fluids The residual content of cleaning fluids in hydrocarbon and/or Rynex cleaned textiles The effect of the introduction of cleaned textiles in housing on the indoor air quality. The results of the project were as the following: Ad 1) Background Levels The measurements performed in the four unaffected habitations showed detectable concentrations of the substances 2-propylenglycol-tert-butylether (2PG1tBE), dipropylenglycolbutylether (DPGBE) and dipropylenglycol-propylether (DPGPE), which all potentially emanate from the Rynex fluid. The detection limit was 0,0005 mg/m3. Measurements of the concentration of hydrocarbons showed an average concentration of 0,042 mg/m3. The results of the measurements varied between 0,014 and 0,073 mg/m3. Ad 2) Measurements of the Indoor Air Quality When measurements in the Rynex dry-cleaning establishment were performed, it was established by means of analyses that it was not 2-propylenglycol-tert-butylether (2PG1tBE) and dipropylenglycolbutylether (DPGBE), which were used as expected, as active components in the Rynex fluid but presumably dipropylenglycol-propylether (DPGPE). It has not been possible to find information about dipropylenglycol-propylether. Therefore it has been agreed with Mr. Poul Bo Larsen from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency that until data is available, a temporary B-value and a temporary criterion for air quality corresponding to the value of dipropylenglycol-butylether can be used in connection with the evaluations in this report. When measurements were performed in an apartment above a dry-cleaning establishment using Rynex cleaning fluid, no concentrations exceeding the temporary air quality criterion for DPGPE of 0,04 mg/m3 were detected. When measurements were carried out in apartments above dry-cleaning establishments using hydrocarbon-cleaning fluids, concentrations exceeding the air quality criterion of 0,6 mg/m3 of up to factor 12 were detected in one out of two premises. Measurements carried out in the dry-cleaning establishment showed that the concentrations of hydrocarbon and the variation in glycolether were respectively 4,8–21 and 2,0–3,3 mg/m3. The results seem to indicate that the criteria for air quality in neighbouring apartments will be exceeded as a consequence of dry-cleaning operation with alternative cleaning fluids if steps are not taken to reduce evaporation and emission. The effect will depend on building conditions and operating conditions. Ad 3) Residual Content Determination of the residual content in textiles dry-cleaned with respectively Rynex and hydrocarbon cleaning fluid showed a residual content of up to 0,5 weight%. This is substantially higher than that known from textiles cleaned by means of tetrachlorethylen. At the same time, the tests showed a higher emission rate for both alternatives compared with tetrachlorethylen. Ad 4) The Consequence of the Introduction of cleaned Textiles in Housing Modelling of the effects on the indoor air quality of the introduction of cleaned textiles in housing was carried out on a badly ventilated apartment and a wellventilated single-family house. The calculations showed that the introduction of even a few cleaned textiles to the housing may result in an effect, which in concentration is above the criterion for air quality. However, it should be noticed that the criteria for air quality can not be applied in connection with an assessment of what is acceptable or unacceptable in connection with the effects on the indoor air quality as a consequence of the consumer habits of private persons. The effect on the indoor air quality was generally larger in the badly ventilated apartment than in the single-family house. The results show that it is crucial for the alternative cleaning fluids as well as tetrachloroethylene when used in dry-cleaning that the drying process has been optimised. Other Conditions In order to obtain a better basis for regulation of the dry-cleaning industry, it is recommended that better knowledge is obtained and investigations within the following fields are initiated:
During this and a parallel project concerning sink effects, the project group has become aware of two fields with connection to the dry-cleaning trade, within which a better basis for health assessments appears to be required. These fields are:
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