One of the most common businesses among Korean immigrants in our community is the dry cleaning industry. After arriving in the United States, many Korean-Americans have overcome language barriers and worked tirelessly—day and night, for years or even decades—to build a stable economic foundation and ensure the success of their children. They are a proud symbol of hard-working Koreans, embodying perseverance and determination.

I have witnessed many such success stories among members of our community. However, each time I learn about the hidden health issues that often accompany these achievements, I cannot help but feel a pang of sorrow. It is crucial for us to address and understand the occupational health risks associated with this work to prevent and mitigate these challenges, even at this stage.

The U.S. Department of Labor has already issued warnings about the exposure to various chemical substances and heavy metals faced by workers in the dry cleaning industry. Common chemicals found in detergents include tetrachloroethylene, isopropanol, ethylene glycol, amyl acetate, xylene, and others. Among these, tetrachloroethylene is a neurotoxin—a toxic substance that impacts the body’s entire nervous system.

Due to its molecular structure, tetrachloroethylene is easily absorbed into the body. When inhaled, it passes through the lungs and enters the body, where it primarily accumulates in the brain and kidneys. Research conducted long ago confirmed this behavior. Once these chemicals build up in the brain, they cause damage to neurons and the entire nervous system, triggering numerous adverse effects that lead to the development of diseases.

The nerve-related side effects of these substances are known as peripheral neuropathy in medical terminology. These chemicals impair brain function, negatively impact the nervous system, and cause various symptoms such as:

  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Imbalance or loss of coordination (depressed balance coordination)
  • Reduced sympathetic nerve function

More severe and commonly observed symptoms include memory loss, decreased sexual function, and reduced libido.

One prominent symptom associated with peripheral neuropathy is chronic fatigue, which differs fundamentally from fatigue caused by overexertion. Many individuals mistakenly attribute this type of fatigue to physical overwork. However, even without excessive physical exertion, affected individuals feel persistently tired. As a result, it’s common to see dry cleaning workers returning home and falling asleep immediately after dinner, exhausted.

These symptoms arise because neurotoxin substances damage brain neurons, disrupting the nervous system’s balance and impairing neural transmission. If these conditions persist, they can lead to irreversible and severe diseases.

For individuals in the dry cleaning industry, arthritis may result more often from nervous system disorders than from joint overuse. Similarly, chronic fatigue, lethargy, memory loss, and reduced sexual function are often caused by neurotoxin-induced brain cell damage. Unfortunately, once brain neurons are damaged, full recovery is highly challenging, and the aftereffects tend to linger.

Even if exposure to tetrachloroethylene has ceased, the damage it caused in the past does not mean one can feel entirely safe. The long-term side effects of such chemical exposure can manifest later in life as various forms of severe neuropathy symptoms.

In Conclusion: Protecting Health While Securing Success

Ultimately, it is vital to reactivate and recover brain neurons damaged by chemical substances to maintain optimal health. Preventative measures, such as wearing chemical-resistant masks while working, are crucial to minimizing exposure to neurotoxic chemicals. These protective steps are not just about safeguarding oneself but also about ensuring a happy and secure future for one’s family.

Achieving material success while maintaining a healthy life represents the greatest accomplishment. After all, what could be more fulfilling than thriving in both wealth and well-being?