Evaluates the carcinogenic risks to humans posed by exposures in the dry
cleaning industry by eight chlorinated solvents and related chemicals
and by an additional group of seven industrial chemicals. Dry cleaning
is evaluated in the first and most extensive monograph. Concerning
exposures to specific chemicals, tetrachloroethylene is identified as
the most commonly used solvent during the last two to three decades. The
evaluation also considers exposure to the wide range of chemicals used
in the treatment of spots. A review of epidemiological studies on dry
cleaning indicates that the risks for cancers at two cites, urinary
bladder and esophagus, may be increased by employment in dry cleaning.
The monograph concludes that dry cleaning entails exposures that are
possibly carcinogenic to humans. A second group of monographs evaluates
selected chlorinated solvents and related chemicals used in dry
cleaning, metal cleaning, and degreasing as chemical intermediates and
in the production of insecticides and herbicides. Trichloroethylene,
tetrachloroethylene, and 1 2 3-trichloropropane were classified as
probably carcinogenic to humans. 1-Chloro-2-methylpropene was classified
as possibly carcinogenic to humans. The remaining chemicals - chloral
and chloral hydrate, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and
3-chloro-2-methylpropene - could not be classified. For the remaining
seven chemicals used in a diversity of industrial applications, vinyl
fluoride was classified as probably carcinogenic to humans. Furan,
benzofuran, and vinyl acetate were classified as possibly carcinogenic
to humans. Acrolein crotonaldehyde and furfural could not be classified.