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ECSA statement on the UK study "Spontaneous Abortion in Dry Cleaning Workers Potentially Exposed to Perchloroethylene" (1998)

A study, Spontaneous Abortion in Dry Cleaning Workers Potentially Exposed to Perchloroethylene commissioned by the UK Health & Safety Executive and published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Vol. 54 on (25 November 1997) suggests there may be a link between operating dry cleaning machines and a higher than normal rate of miscarriages among dry cleaning workers. The study found that machine operators had a miscarriage rate of about one in six pregnancies compared to around one in eight pregnancies in the general population.

The findings were referred to the UK Committee on Toxicology of the Department of Health. In a statement dated November 25th, 1997, this Committee stated that "there is no evidence for a plausible biological mechanism by which perchloroethylene could cause this effect." There is indeed no supportive evidence from laboratory experiments of any specific abortive potential of perchloroethylene. The Committee also stated that "other factors could have contributed to the observed risk." Indeed, such factors as e.g. posture and work load may be different for dry cleaning machine operators. The Committee concluded that "the increased risk of spontaneous abortion could not be specifically attributed to perchloroethylene." Another conclusion of the statement was that "there is no risk to the general public who visit dry cleaning premises." This was based on the fact that dry cleaning female workers not employed as machine operator did not show increased risk of abortion compared with females employed outside the dry cleaning and laundry industries.

Perchloroethylene has provided the basis of the dry cleaning industry for over 50 years. During this time, it has been thoroughly researched to ensure it has minimal environmental and health effects when used correctly. Nevertheless, the member companies of the ECSA understand the concern which the findings of this study may cause and have entered into a dialogue with the UK Health & Safety Executive regarding further research to clarify the situation.