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Understanding the Dry Cleaning Industry. Steve Whittaker, Ph.D. Public Health Researcher Local Hazardous Waste Management Program Public Health – Seattle & King County APWA Spring Conference April 5 , 2012. LHWMP’s Dry Cleaning Survey. King County shops ~ 200 dry clean on premises
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Understanding the Dry Cleaning Industry Steve Whittaker, Ph.D. Public Health Researcher Local Hazardous Waste Management Program Public Health – Seattle & King County APWA Spring Conference April 5, 2012
LHWMP’s Dry Cleaning Survey King County shops ~ 200 dry clean on premises 64% response rate 84% Korean-owned Little regulatory attention or guidance Prefer information in Korean
LHWMP’s Dry Cleaning Survey • 69% still using PCE machines. • Only one-quarter believe there are any health problems associated with PCE. • Of these, most consider PCE to be only an irritant • Machines are old – median age 10 years • Parts becoming hard to find
Age of dry cleaning machines Expected lifespan ? <1
King County, 2011 148 ppm PCE
King County, 2011 > 1000 ppm PCE
Misinformation is common • Cultural and language barriers • Incorrect information from vendors • Little interaction with regulators • Infrequent use of PPE • Confusion about waste management & disposal