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Contacts:
For information about soil sampling: Devin Hutchings, DTSC Public Information Officer, devin.hutchings@dtsc.ca.gov
For information about potential health impacts: CCH Media Line, 925-608-5463 or publicinfo@cchealth.org
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) found high concentrations of cancer-causing chemicals in the soil at a former dry cleaning business in Richmond, according to a notification sent to Contra Costa Health (CCH) this week.
DTSC reported that the results of soil gas sampling showed unsafe levels of tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), vinyl chloride, benzene and other chemicals known to cause cancer and cause noncancer adverse effects.
Dry cleaning businesses have operated at the address, 2022 Barrett Ave., from at least 1960 to 2001, according to the DTSC. An unrelated business now occupies a building at that address.
A DTSC contractor began an investigation at the site in September 2023 and sampled the soil gas in a public right-of-way adjacent to the address in October 2023. The agency chose the site because of its former use by dry cleaning businesses.
Exposure to PCE and TCE, industrial degreasing agents used in dry cleaning, is associated with cancer and non-cancer hazards according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The state continues to explore if the levels detected at the site pose a health risk to individuals on this and adjacent properties.
CCH is responsible for disclosing this information to the public by the state's Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65). Proposition 65 aims to protect the public and its drinking water resources while also providing information about potential exposure to chemicals.
Fact sheets with frequently asked health questions about tetrachlorethylene, trichloroethylene, benzene and vinyl chloride are available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
For more information about this investigation, contact DTSC at devin.hutchings@dtsc.ca.gov.