Dry Cleaning - Toxicity and Environmental Effects

Toxicity and Environmental Effects

Perc is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and must be handled as a hazardous waste. To prevent it from getting into drinking water, dry cleaners that use perc must take special precautions. Landlords are becoming increasingly reluctant to allow dry cleaners to operate in their buildings.

When released into the air, perc can contribute to smog when it reacts with other volatile organic carbon substances. California declared perchloroethylene a toxic chemical in 1991, and its use will become illegal in that state in 2023. A recent study conducted at Georgetown University shows that perc is retained in dry-cleaned clothes and that perc levels increase with repeat cleanings.

Some alternatives such as CO₂ offers a solution to perc, however CO₂ is inferior in removing some forms of grime.