COIN-OPERATED DRY-CLEANING MACHINES MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ACUTE TETRACHLOROETHYLENE POISONING - REPORT OF 26 CASES INCLUDING ONE DEATH

Background: Incorrect operations by customers are not uncommon in coin -operated dry cleaning establishments; dry cleaning machines may also be poorly maintained. This may result in retention of large amounts of the cleaning solvent in dry cleaned items. Case Report: A 2-year-old boy was found dead in his bed, with a strong odor of solvent in the ro om. Toxicological analysis demonstrated tetrachloroethylene poisoning. The solvent had been retained in the double curtains of the bedroom w hich had been dry cleaned in a coin-operated establishment the same da y. A retrospective study at the Paris Poison Center revealed 25 additi onal cases, all with a favorable outcome. Analysis of the circumstance s of these accidents showed that the main causes of tetrachloroethylen e retention in clothes are overloading of the machine and dry cleaning of bulky items. However, failure of the dry cleaning machine may also be involved. Conclusions: To immediately reduce the health risk, cons umers were informed both via the mass media and by warnings in coin-op erated dry cleaning shops. A second batch of preventive measures is in preparation, including modifications of the machines to limit solvent exposure and a specific regulation concerning their inspection and ma intenance.