The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71842

Elaine Chang, DrPH, Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources, South Coast Air Quality Management District, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765, (909) 396-3186, echang@aqmd.gov

Public officials in Southern California are taking precautionary action to reduce human exposure to toxic perchloroethylene. Although reducing exposure to toxic substances in our environment is important, it is not enough. New toxic substances, including perchloroethyene (perc), continue to be discharged into the environment. Perc increases the risk of cancer in dry cleaning workers, affects the central nervous system and gets into breast milk. It is the number one groundwater contaminant and is one of the 6 major air contaminants in Southern California. This presentation will describe sources and uses of perc, health risks, who is most exposed and alternatives to perc in the dry cleaning industry. It will highlight new regulations in Southern California to curb pecr emissions through long tern phase out of perc in dry cleaning.

Learning Objectives:

• · Describe the public health implications of health risks from perchloroethylene and the philosophy of precautionary action to protect public health.
• · Identify sources of exposure to perchloroethylene and who is most at risk for adverse health impacts.
• · Evaluate local/regional versus federal strategies for phasing out use of chemicals like perchloroethylene.
• · Identify alternatives to perc in the dry cleaning industry and discuss practical implications of regulating toxins on local communities.

Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Toxicants

Related Web page: www.aqmd.gov

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.