Concentrations of tetrachloroethene in blood and trichloroacetic acid in urine in workers and neighbours of dry-cleaning shops

Summary Tetrachloroethene concentrations in blood and trichloroacetic acid concentrations in urine were determined — primarily over the course of a week — for 29 persons living in the vicinity of dry-cleaning shops. The mean levels of tetrachloroethene increased during the week. In some neighbours concentrations were exceeding the German biological threshold limit value for tetrachloroethene (1000 g/l blood), persisting over the whole week in one case. The concentrations of tetrachloroethene in blood depended on the floor and the construction type of the building where these people were living, but not of the type of system used in the dry-cleaning shops. 5 of 12 drycleaners were found to have tetrachloroethene levels exceeding the German biological threshold limit value, some of them by a considerable amount.