New York Air Quality Testing and High Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) Levels

In early 2002, parents of children who attended (or had attended) the Tutor Time Daycare Center contacted the New York State Attorney General’s office. They’d learned that the site was next to a Superfund site — Jackson Steel — and were concerned about possible health risks.

Air testing inside the day care found levels of tetrachloroethylene (PCE, or perc) — a common industrial chemical used in dry cleaning — above New York State’s guidelines. The EPA took action to lower the levels, and the owner hoped to open a new day care on the site. But later testing found that while the air quality was improved, PCE levels were still higher than New York State’s guidelines.

Based on the testing results, New York State’s Department of Health contacted the Department of Children and Family Services. They recommended against issuing a license for the day care unless the air quality issues were completely resolved. In 2003, Children and Family Services followed their advice, and the owner’s permit was denied.