Characterizing the Needs of an Underserved Working Population: Dry Cleaners

BACKGROUND:  Workers in the dry cleaning industry are exposed to a variety of harmful solvents, and poor work practices can result in extensive environmental contamination.  Of particular concern is perchloroethylene (PERC), which is the most commonly-used cleaning solvent.  This chlorinated hydrocarbon is a pervasive environmental contaminant and a probable human carcinogen.  PERC is also a neurotoxin and is toxic to the liver and kidneys. Recent field acitivities in the industry identified significant PERC exposures associated with aging dry cleaning equipment.  The majority of business owners are first-generation Asian immigrants with frequently limited English language skills.  Most of these owner-operated businesses have received no regulatory attention or consultation services from state or federal OSHA programs.  The goal of this study is to characterize the needs of dry cleaning business owners to inform education and outreach strategies for this traditionally underserved working population.

METHODS: This study was comprised of key informant interviews, site visits, and a county-wide business survey. The survey was prepared in English and Korean and was distributed to every dry cleaning business identified in King County, Washington.  Non-respondents were contacted by telephone to complete the survey.

RESULTS: The 64% response rate to the survey suggests that the results are likely representative of King County’s dry cleaning industry.  Dry cleaning was determined to be dominated by small, Korean-owned, family-run businesses.  Although the use of PERC as the primary dry cleaning agent has decreased in recent years, this solvent is still used by the majority of businesses.  This industry continues to face health and environmental protection challenges.  Many of these difficulties are common to the small business community, and result from insufficient funds to address workplace health and safety concerns, inattention by regulatory agencies, and cultural barriers to effective communication of regulatory requirements and best management practice recommendations. 

CONCLUSIONS:  This industry would benefit from regulatory intervention, in concert with an educational campaign and enhanced technical and financial assistance.  However, for any intervention to be effective, it must account for the unique financial and demographic characteristics of this industry.