New York Targets Dry Cleaning Industry in Probe

New York state is launching an investigation into the working conditions of employees in the dry cleaning industry.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the effort will include the study of chemicals commonly used by dry cleaners that pose a health risk to workers. The effort will involve consideration of proposals to ban some chemicals deemed especially harmful.

The Democratic governor also said the state is taking several other steps to protect workers, including new ventilation rules for nail salons.

Cuomo also said that a state task force created last year to examine worker exploitation has so far ordered more than 1,500 businesses to pay nearly $4 million in back wages and damages.