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 Many dry cleaners, even self-proclaimed green ones, continue to use a harmful solvent called perchloroethylene (PERC, for short). A colorless, nonflammable liquid, it can affect our nervous system and cause dizziness, headaches, fatigue and in some cases even unconsciousness.
The EPA warns that “breathing perchloroethylene over longer periods of time can cause liver and kidney damage in humans†[1]. Although its use is regulated under laws such as the Clean Air Act, wouldn’t it be nice if this solvent was replaced by a more ecological one? California has planned to ban PERC dry-cleaning machines in 2023 and some dry-cleaners have already started using cleaner, greener alternatives, like liquid carbon dioxide.Beware of perc-free cleaners: they too can be harmful to your health and the environment because they contain highly flammable and potentially toxic petroleum-derived hydrocarbon solvents. Likewise for the misleadingly named Green Earth solvent: it has been linked to cancer in rats and may also be toxic to the liver [2]. To find a green dry-cleaning place near you, visit findco2.com. If none exists just yet, pay attention to smaller, eco-friendly improvements, such as recyclable bamboo-made hangers instead of wire ones. And even if that is not available, simply return your wire hangers to your dry-cleaner for re-use and switch to laundry cleaning as much as possible. In many cases, professional wet cleaning can replace dry-cleaning. Â
Resources and Further Reading:[1]Environmental Protection Agency [2] Cancer Risk Seen in 'Green Earth' Dry Cleaning Royal CleanerÂ
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