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CONTROLS are being considered on pollution caused by dry-cleaners.

  A chemical which leaks from dry-cleaning machines' vents, Tetrachloroethylene, causes cancer in animals, although its effect on humans is yet to be confirmed.

  Over 90 per cent of dry-cleaners in Hong Kong use detergent with Tetrachloroethylene.

  The initial findings of an Environmental Protection Department (EPD) survey on toxic air pollution has raised concerns about the dry-cleaning industry.

  The $1 million study, expected to be published next month, will identify the sources and degree of toxic air contaminants from industrial processes. The two-year study indicated most toxic substances were believed to come from vehicles, petrol stations, metal-plating companies, and textile-dying.

  It is estimated 40 to 60 toxic substances are found in the air.

 It showed there were 300 dry-cleaners in the territory, and 10 per cent used old, open drying machines, and about half using new closed systems, but without proper filters.

  Studies showed new systems with filters could reduce 70 per cent of Tetrachloroethylene leaks.

  Senior EPD officer Pang Sik-wing said there was a possible health risk from dry-cleaning machines. 'Although Hong Kong's dry-cleaners are smaller in scale than those in Europe and United States, they are much closer to residents,' he said.

    One way to reduce emissions was to ensure all dry-cleaning machines are closed and equipped with filters.

  Although there is air pollution legislation in Hong Kong, none deals specifically with air toxins.

  He said the department would consult the industry once a policy decision had been made.

  Dr John Tse Wing-ling, environmental spokesman for the Democratic Party, said: 'The Government has to ensure residents, who live close to dry-cleaners, will not be affected by the steam and heat generated.'   Dr Tse, who said there was an urgent need for controls, will ask a question on the issue in Wednesday's Legco meeting. He said dry-cleaning workers who developed cancer should be considered to have an occupational disease.



Dry-cleaners face controls