A process cartridge (31) detachably mountable within an image forming system, comprises an image bearing member (5), action means for acting on the image bearing member, a housing for supporting the image bearing member and the action means, and a cover shiftable (8) between a protecting position where the image bearing member (5) is protected and a retard position where the cover is retarded from the protecting position. Cover (8) is spaced apart from the housing at least in the retard position. An image forming system comprises mounting means for mounting such process cartridge, air flow generating means (15) for generating an air flow passing through between the housing and the cover, transfer means (18) for transferring a developed image formed on the image bearing member onto a recording medium, and conveying means for conveying the recording medium.