Comments on: Cancer Danger From Dry Cleaning?

Tracy Smith Explores Possible Risk Of Commonly Used Chemical Called "PERC"

[haileyid]

Here's a good link. Should help settle any disagreements.

www.livescience.com/humanbiology/070130_bad_drycleaning.html

[bergit_olsen]

For the Record: Perc has not been totally banned in California and will not be until 2020. The following are accurate presentations, (not classic examples of biased, inaccurate, unfair and (pathetic) news stories such as Tracy Smith's.

http://www.scienceblog.com/community/older/archives/K/0/pub0268.html

Also check out what to look for in a "biased news reporting arena".
http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=121

I am extremely disappointed in CBS News' irresponsible and demonstrably false reporting. This report does not withstand scrutiny, and we EXPECT AN ACCURATE UPDATE AND AN APOLOGY.

[sheldonbray1]

The use of Perc is not needed to get clothes clean. I am a drycleaner that cleans 3,000 garments a day, without using perc. My preferred methods of cleaning are CO2 and wetcleaning. Both pose no issues to the environment or clients health. The CO2 actually takes CO2 that would normally be released to the atmosphere and puts it to use cleaning clothes.

I suggest everyone find their nearest CO2 or wetcleaner. www.FindCO2.com

[e-mail]

[bergit_olsen]

%u2022 Perc, is an effective, anti-microbial, anti-viral and nonflammable solvent that does not contribute to the formation of smog (ground-level ozone) or to the depletion of stratospheric ozone. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves the use of perchloroethylene as a replacement for stratospheric ozone-depleting solvents. Perchloroethylene is the primary solvent used in commercial and industrial dry cleaning. Since being introduced to the drycleaning industry in the late 1930s, it replaced most other solvents because of its relatively low toxicity and non-flammability. Its other major uses are as a chemical intermediate in the production of several fluorinated compounds, a metal cleaning and degreasing solvent, and a solvent in automotive aerosols. safe to use on all common textiles, fibers, and dyes; and is effective at:
%u2022 removing fats, oils, and greases;
%u2022 free of residual odor;
%u2022 chemically stable under all common use conditions;
%u2022 non-corrosive to the metals and other materials used in dry cleaning machinery
%u2022 easily removed from clothes; and
%u2022 energy and cost,efficient (can be easily distilled and is nearly 100% recycled.)
Using the best technology, there is virtually no exposure to this chemical. A human faces a much higher exposure, for example, using personal care products ie eye and face makeup, dental and oral hygiene, hair removal, hair care, skin and nail products. GET REAL!

[theolesto]

As to a drycleaning consumers risk of contracting cancer from inhaling perc vapors from drycleaned clothes there is no scientific evidence that perc is a human carcinogen. EPA classifeds it as a "possible" human carcinogen simply because it wishes it to be. EPA's Scientific Advisory Board has repeatedly told EPA there is no scientific evidence to support this designation. In fact the recently completed "Nordic Study" on the carcinogency of perc absolutely refutes EPA and the World Health Organizations designation as it found NO HIGHER INCIDENCE OF CANCER IN INDIVIDUALS WHO WORK IN PERC DRYCLEANING OPERATIONS THAN IN THE GENERAL POPULATION. Now there's a story that's worth reporting CBS. But that kind of news doesn't sell "papers" does it.
Certainly, if a consumer smells a chemical odor in items they pick-up from the drycleaner they should immediately take them back for reprocessing. Hanging them in the garage or walking them around the block is not the answer.
If the cleaner does not correct the problem or it is a recurring problem, they should find another cleaner IF the chemical odor they smell is, in fact, PERC. In many cases the odor custome incorrectly identify as drycleaning solvent odor in their clothes is, in fact, from a finish the manufacturer has placed on the fabric.

[theolesto]

The term "muck raking" comes immediately to mind. How about irresponsible journalism? Is CBS SO DESPERATE FOR "NEWS" THAT IT HAS TO MAKE UP A PROBLEM AND PROP IT UP WITH TAPE FROM AN ISOLATED INCIDENT SEVERAL YEARS AGO? The incident in New York City was unique in two ways. The very small number of drycleaners that are located in mixed use buildings and the improper operation of the drycleaning equipment and/or the ventilation system which resulted in perc vapors being released &/or transmitted into other parts of the building. Lets suppose it had been a natural gas leak from a bakery downstairs which might well have killed the folks upstairs--would this have been treated the same way in the news?
Yes, perc is a toxic chemical and must be used cautiously and correctly. Federal EPA and State counterparts have enacted, policed and enforced strict regulations on drycleaning operations to protect public health and the environment. Drycleaners are, in fact, the most highly regulated small businesses in the U.S.

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[bergit_olsen]

For the record, we utilized 6th generation technology widely used in Germany but seldom in the United States. This technology produces the following: 99.999% recycled solvent: translated: no waste, no byproduct, less than 10 ppm. The current OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for PERC is 100 ppm, as an 8-hr time-weighted average (TWA). The acceptable ceiling concentration is 200 ppm for 5 min in any 3-hr period, not to exceed a maximum peak of 300 ppm. If EVERY DRY CLEANER would utilize such technology, dry cleaning would be known as 100% respectable. Personally, I am proud to have been rated in the top 1 percent in the United States, in EVERY aspect, as a dry cleaner of choice.

[iskerpoodle]

Any alternative to "perc" is better!!! Any DryCleaning process that does not use "perc" is a step in the right direction!!
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[sheldonbray1]

According to Green Peace CO2 and Wetcleaning are the only safe alternatives to perc. http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/usa/press/reports/what-s-in-what-s-out-a-ratin.pdf

There are SAFE cleaners. Find them in your area. www.FindCO2.com

[bergit_olsen]

However, carbon dioxide has other negative environmental effects. Because carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reflects infrared radiation (heat) back toward the earth, it is a greenhouse gas and it is thus a contributor to global warming.

[bergit_olsen]

Some cleaners may be using %u201Corganic%u201D to indicate any non-Perc system, including the riskier siloxane and hydrocarbon alternatives, and in some instances cleaners might label themselves "greener" or "earth friendly" even if perc is still used in the process. Green Earth Dry Cleaning Technology D-5, the silicone-based solvent used in the process, causes cancer in rats and may also be toxic to the liver.

And Triclosan used in soaps and detergents, is a diphenyl ether (bis-phenyl) derivative, known as either 2,4,4'-Trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether or 5-Chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol. It is related in structure to a number of bis-phenyl polychlorinated and bis-phenyl chlorophenol compounds. Due principally to the synthesis chemistry of polychloro diphenyl ethers and phenoxy phenols there is the potential for the formation of small amounts of unwanted trace by-products which are of concern. Beginning in the early 1970's and into the mid 1980's research revealed that phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T (1,2,3), the major components of Agent Orange, the bactericide Hexachlorophene (4,5), various chlorophenols, i.e.- pentatchlorophenol, used in wood treatment (6), certain polychloro phenoxy phenols (7) and polychloro diphenyl ethers (8) and diphenyl ether herbicides (9) contained various low levels of polychlorinated dioxins and polychlorinated furans.

When utilized with the finest technology, perc is still the superior solvent of choice.

[msevee]

I am not commenting to receive any compensation or publicity.
Our mother passed away May 8, 1993; after working as a Cleaner/Silk Presser for 30+ years, using "PERC" in a Dry Cleaners. Her "Lung Cancer" was untreatable and nonoperatable due to other factors including the location.
I also know a former Dry Cleaning worker,able to receive treatment for Lung Cancer (due to Dry Cleaning Chemicals)lives with a "Chronic Cough" and frequent doctor visits.

I truly hope the alternatives (according to your Consumer Reports,Studies,etc.) will be beneficial now and in the future for the environment,especially for Dry Cleaning employees.

[bergit_olsen]

"Organic solvents" are aliphatic compounds (n-hexane) used routinely in commercial industries. They share a common structure (at least 1 carbon and 1 hydrogen), low molecular weight, lipophilicity, and volatility, and exist in liquid form at room temperature, some known to be highly explosive, synthetic volatile compounds (VOCs), of which a small amount does volatilize and escape into the air. VOCs combine with another pollutant, oxides of nitrogen, in the atmosphere to form ozone smog. Glycol ethers (dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether) and (Rynex)are not as effective as perchloroethylene. Neither is Cyclic Silicone decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, %u201CGreenEarth%u201D . All are chemicals. None are as gentle or effective as perc. And the alternatives are often non- antimicrobial or antiviral. Hydrocarbon solvents, such as DF2000 and comexsol, are toxic,contain VOCs and the EPA has noted concern over the high flammability of these petroleum-based chemicals.

[iskerpoodle]

The best non-toxic alternative to "perc" is Hydrocarbon. The reporters neglected to suggest that this environmentally friendly Dry Cleaning process exists. As Consumers become more educated to the negative health and environmental issues associated with "perc" they can look for Dry Cleaners that don't use "perc". Wet Cleaning and not Dry Cleaning at all, or buying clothes that don't need Dry Cleaning were the only alternatives that were reported on this show. In Santa Monica California "Eco Coastal Cleaners" has been providing their neighborhood with Environmentally Friendly Dry Cleaning since 2003. We're so proud to be providing non-toxic Cleaning, to be protecting public health and the environment. Our hope is that you can find one in your neighborhood.
Email: [e-mail]

[oleander8]

Cancer Danger From Dry Cleaning? That's a no brainer question - YES!

[bergit_olsen]

With the finest technology, perc poses no threat to humans or the environment. The American Council of Science and Health%u2019s, (a consortium, of more than 350 scientists and physicians who provide consumer education on public health issues) report sums up as "Science Group States Drycleaning Chemical Poses No Health Threat to Consumers, although "perc has been the subject of close environment and public scrutiny for more than 20 years, US government agencies and worldwide have not agreed about the potential of environmental exposure to cause adverse health effects, including cancer, in humans. Claims that it is, are examples of how science is often skewed to generate unwarranted concerns. Epidemiological data do not support extrapolation of this effect to humans, especially at low or 0 concentrations to which consumers are exposed." The anti-perc camp has been unable to obtain a conviction but persists on anti-perc propaganda. We hope that rational thinking and evidence-not emotion will decide the issue. Without evidence, there is no merit. Touting such literature is libelous, a gross misrepresentation of the facts and legally a fraud. Misrepresentation occurs when the media or otherwise makes misleading statements of fact with the intent to deceive. A fraudulent is intended to induce another person to rely on the falsehood to his or her detriment. The latest technology does not release perc into the air, water or clothing. It%u2019s not just business, it%u2019s personal.

[sheldonbray1]

Liquid CO2 drycleaning is available in many US cities, and is a safe replacement for Perc. It is actually more gentle than perc, but most cleaners haven't adopted it due to it's cost. A CO2 machine can me 5 times the cost of a perc machine at over $125,000 per machine.

To find a CO2 cleaner near you go to www.FindCO2.com.

You are right, high doses of PERC can cause liver and kidney damage but if I remember my studies not permanent damage. But you forgot to mention what is meant by high doses! High doses of table salt will make you sick. High doses of alcohol will make you sick. I would say if you smell PERC on your dry cleaning, it wasn't dried properly. And to claim that dry cleaned cloths can cause cancer- what a laugh. The studies which tried to prove it cause cancer used such high doses it killed have the rats due to PERC poisoning. Why don't you look at or have someone look at the studies so you can at least tell the Mickelson family that they shouldn't have to worry about their long term health. They probably won't believe you as most people don't understand scientific proof (and don't want to). Find an independent source (not the EPA which is biased against the chemicals they regulate or industry which is biased for the chemical they sell. I is really hard to find someone without an axe to grind!

[ozziepooh90]

what's next that could cause cancer?

[haileyid]

There are alternatives that are 100% non-toxic. Liquid CO2 is a new technology that cleans better than any of the industry chemicals and so-called "organic" methods (according to Consumer Reports). I was surprised that Tracy Smith did not discuss liquid CO2 dry cleaning. Check out www.revolutioncleaners.com