Cancer Danger From Dry Cleaning?

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

(CBS)  Americans spent more than $7 billion on dry cleaning last year, but cleaning your clothes may affect more than your wallet.

As Early Show national correspondent Tracy Smith points out, there's nothing dry about dry cleaning at all. Clothes are actually washed, in a solvent, one the federal Environmental Protection Agency calls it a possible-to-probable carcinogen, and you could be breathing it in, without even knowing it.

That was what happened with Mori Mickelson and her husband, Danny O'Brien.

The more they stayed inside their New York City apartment, the sicker they got.

"I would get dizzy, I would get headaches, just feel nauseous," Mickelson told Smith.

"I couldn't focus. Basically, my mind was floating away on me," O'Brien says.

It turned out, Smith reports, that the air in their apartment was contaminated with a toxic solvent leaking from the dry cleaner downstairs.

It's called perchloroethylene, or PERC, and it's used by three out of four dry cleaners nationwide.

Judith Schreiber, Ph.D., the chief scientist of environmental protection for the New York Attorney General's Office, says she "would classify PERC as a neurotoxin."

Schreiber says dry cleaners love PERC because it washes delicate fabrics without shrinking them or causing fading.

But, too often, PERC vapors can leak into nearby residences and offices, and Schreiber says long-term exposure can cause serious harm.

"You're at risk for neurological effects, liver and kidney illness, and increased cancer risk," she says.

The World Health Organization says PERC is a "probable human carcinogen."

The EPA classifies it as somewhere between a "possible" and "probable" human carcinogen, though at high dosages and over a long period of time. The agency doesn't say brief exposure to PERC, or long-term exposure to very low levels of the chemical will cause cancer. But the EPA admits studies of the carcinogenic effects of PERC in the general population don't exist. The EPA is currently doing a "risk assessment" of PERC, evaluating all research into its potential health effects, and plans to release its findings in about two years.

According to the EPA's Web site, "Breathing PERC for short periods of time can adversely affect the human nervous system. Effects range from dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and sweating, to incoordination and unconsciousness. Contact with PERC vapor irritates the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. These effects are not likely to occur at levels of PERC that are normally found in the environment. Breathing PERC over longer periods of time can cause liver and kidney damage in humans. Workers repeatedly exposed to large amounts of PERC in air can also experience memory loss and confusion. Laboratory studies show that PERC causes kidney and liver damage and cancer in animals exposed repeatedly by inhalation and by mouth. Repeat exposure to large amounts of PERC in air may likewise cause cancer in humans."

You may have gotten a whiff of PERC's strong, fresh scent at your cleaners but, once PERC evaporates into the air, you can't always smell it.

Mickelson had no idea her home was so contaminated until, one day, she literally collapsed from the fumes, and was rushed to the hospital.

"The city Department of Health did tests on us and our neighbors, and it was in our breath and our urine and in my breast milk and my neighbor's breast milk; it was basically everywhere," she says.

Even wearing dry cleaned clothes may put you at risk, Smith observes.

In the first study of its kind, Consumer Reports magazine measured PERC emissions from freshly dry-cleaned blazers and the results, Smith says, were "startling."

The magazine's Jean Halloran says, "We found that there was a small, but definitely increased risk of cancer from wearing freshly dry-cleaned clothes once or twice a week."

The industry calls that junk science.

"When handled properly, PERC is "extremely safe," says Nora Nealis, who runs the National Cleaners Association."

She says studies of workers at dry cleaners have found no increased risk of cancer, even after years of PERC exposure.

"I have friends and neighbors and family members who are in the dry cleaning industry," Nealis adds, "and I have no compunction whatsoever about their health or safety."

But some regulators aren't buying that.

Last month, California became the first state in the nation to ban PERC, calling it a public health threat. They ordered it phased out at dry cleaners over the next 15 years.

Officials there want them to use environmentally-safer methods such as "wet cleaning," which washes dry clean-only garments using special soap, and plain old water.

"Wet cleaning is great for casual wear, your khakis, your sweaters, your cotton man-tailored shirts," Nealis notes.

But it's not so good for structured garments.

Nealis showed Smith a designer jacket that wet cleaning caused to shrink, and left without what Nealis calls "that nice, finished, like-new look that you went to the cleaners for."

Some dry cleaners call their methods "organic." But that may not be safer than using perc because, the dry cleaners trade group says, there's very little regulation of what "organic" means in their business. All it means for sure is that the cleaning methods include the use of carbon, which could apply to virtually all methods of cleaning.

Another option? Stop buying clothes that require dry cleaning. That's what Mickelson did. She told Smith she now owns only one item, pair of pants, that is dry clean-only.

Though the dry cleaner beneath Mickelson's apartment no longer uses a PERC machine, she still worries about her family's exposure, telling Smith she worries "all the time" about its long-term effects, adding, "When one of us gets sick, I think, could this be something related to PERC? My greatest fear is that one of us is going to get cancer from it."

Experts say, if you live or work in a building that has a PERC dry cleaner, you may want to have your local health department check the level of PERC in the air.

And if your clothes come back from the cleaners smelling like chemicals, it could be a sign they have too much PERC on them, and you should take them back and have them redone.

Experts say unwrapping your dry cleaned clothes when you get home and airing them out could help, but if you take the plastic bag off inside your house, the PERC just goes into the air, where it can last up to a week. It's better to air dry cleaning out in an open garage or outside.

Mickelson says she airs out her dry cleaned pants by taking them for a walk around the block before bringing them home!

[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

[ozziepooh90]

what's next that could cause cancer?

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!

[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.

[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.

[oleander8]

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

[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]

[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.

[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]

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.

[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.

[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

[iskerpoodle]

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

[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.

[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.

continue in next post

[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.

[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!

[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]

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.

[haileyid]

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

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

[bergit_olsen]

TRUE ORGANIC is GREAT! Blindly buying organically is VERY FOOLHARDY. All living organisms are organic. So is gasoline. So is dry-cleaning fluid, which is now advertised as "organic" by unscrupulous merchants capitalizing on the public perception that "organic" equals "safe." It doesn't mean healthy or fair. Take, for example, hydrocarbon "organic dry cleaning". DF-2000, is as organic as gasoline and every major dry-cleaning fluid since the creation of the industry. It is made by Exxon-Mobil, the "stewards of the environment" who dumped 30 million gallons of crude oil%u2014the precursor to gasoline and, yes, DF-2000%u2014onto the shoreline of Alaska in 1989 and are still in court today over the fine. How "DF-2000" could be construed as "organic" in the "all-natural" sense is beyond us all! Perc is organic, too. But here is the clincher: Wet Cleaning can cause severe shrinkage, color removal, may not remove but %u201Cset stains%u201D, promotes increased water consumption, and CANNOT SUCCESSFULLY BE USED on wools, satins, gabardines or highly-structured garments. Organic solvents don't bind to fibers the way water does and therefore don't wrinkle or ruin delicate fabrics. For now, there TRULY AREN%u2019T ANY BETTER ALTERNATIVES THAN THE TECHNIQUES USED TODAY, USING THE FINEST SOLVENT(PERC)IN THE SAFEST MANNER POSSIBLE.

[jamierf1]

As a consumer, this type of warning is great. I had heard about the dangers of perc many years ago. I am lucky that a cleaner near me in Excelsior, MN, called the Dry Cleaning Station uses a product that is not environmentally bad and poses no health risks. There is no smell at all and they are a cleaner I will stick with (for life!).

[smokedaddy2]

We clean wools, silks and structured garments all day long in water and liquid CO2...no problems. True "wet cleaning" does not shrink these types of fibers but inexperienced cleaners do.

[fido44-2009]

Another scary thought is, "where does all the used PERC go?" Into barrels, and then into landfills? Liquid CO2 and wet cleaning are the way of the future. The CO2 is recaptured, not created. No CO2 is being added to the system, and in fact is, at least temporarily, being removed. CO2 cleaners don't bake your clothes to death to remove the PERC. No heat is used. Gentler on fabrics, on the environment, and on people. Dry cleaning customers, do the research, and draw your own conclusions.

[conniejean4]

Looks life FIDO44 needs to do his research. Perc is recycled in the dry-cleaning system through filtration & distribution which remove the impurities from the dry cleaning process i.e. soil, fugitive dyes, etc. The spent filter cartridges and the still residue which contain small amounts of PERC are placed in sealed containers, like the one shown in the piece labled "Hazardous waste" and disposed of through licensed hazardous waste recyclers as mandated by Feral regulations. They do not go into landfills. Where do the impurities "removed" by CO2 & wetcleaning go?

[conniejean4]

Sorry about that it is "Federal" being a drycleaner the perc has gone to my head and I cannot spell.

Dry cleaning solvents, including perchloroethylene, pose miniscule risk when used in an environmentally responsible manner. Compiled %u201Cgreen%u201D dry cleaning research endorses liquid CO2 and wet cleaning. Research indicates liquid CO2 is NOT the best solvent- in fact, %u201CHangars%u201D franchises use wet-cleaning as back-up because of inability to remove stains effectively with CO2 however safe or stable it may be. And CO2 cleaning technology is proprietary to operating a Hangers franchise. There is questionable safety regarding GreenEarth technology siloxanewhich are combined organic/inorganic compounds.We keep hearing that yesterday's conventional wisdom is now %u201Cfalse%u201D, not because scientific investigation doesn't work; but because wisdom becomes conventional prematurely. The problem is a psychological, financial or prestige investment of researchers in their hypotheses and their earlier findings. This creates a bias of entrenched orthodoxies which are difficult to overturn. Another is the ill informed,sensationalist field of journalism, which gets hyper-excited over single studies. But we should look further. In fact,there is not a single thing in the world that cannot give you cancer.Health and science reporters,the FDA, the EPA need to have a better understanding of epistemological tangles and underpinnings. There isn%u2019t enough data available to make intelligent determinations on what really poses as cancer risk to humans other than life itself.

RE: Jean's question, "Where do the impurities "removed" by CO2 & wetcleaning go?" C02, GreenEarth, DF2000,Stoddard solvent, are unregulated. Those impurities are disposed of in local landfills.

Perchloroethylene, as a regulated solvent, is safely disposed of employing the services of a certified waste handling management company approved of by the EPA.

[fido44-2009]

Anyone can open and operate a CO2 cleaner. Hangers had one version, there are plenty of other CO2 machines available for purchase. Hanger's used ONLY CO2, no backups. They were founded on CO2. Sure, anything can give you cancer, but does that mean we shouldn't strive for non-toxic alternatives for everything we can? Finally, anyone can pull up Consumer Reports + CO2 dry cleaning, and find the results. But the comments ring true in many ways about the media and such.

[ctccoshawa]

I respected your presentation of the facts about dry cleaning. I was a perc cleaner for years and switched to 100% wet cleaning 6 years ago. I am in Ontario, Canada. I must say and feel so sorry for the spokeswoman from (NCA) Neighborhood Cleaners Assoc. She obviously has not inquired deep enough into wet cleaning. We clean absolutely everything in water and our HUGE customer base says the feel and smell is so superior to dry cleaning that they can't wait to get their items back to us should they have ever needed to have them cleaned elsewhere while travelling. Our detergents are citrus based and we use a banana oil degreasing agent. The labour and utility costs are substantially less than when we were a dry cleaner. The NCA spokeswomen is obviously not looking for a wet cleaning alternative, only a laundry alternative and there is a significant difference. I believe the issue is far more political. It is like finding a replacement for gasoline. Sure it is possible but so many other businesses will die along the way. The same thing will happen to all the subsidary businesses to the dry cleaning industry. The fix and cure is and has been here since the beginning of time. To all of the CBS audience, I urge you to find a 100% professional wet cleaner! To all existing PERC users, I urge you to heed the warnings of the well presented facts on todays CBS early morning show and explore Professional Wet Cleaning!

Smokedaddy and Fido44: The art of rational debate is fading from public consciousness. Suggestion: Avoid argumentum ad hominem. These "attacks" are an admission of intellectual bankruptcy. Also, slurs directed at "the other side of the debate" are usually nonproductive. Try to keep attention centered on the objective problem itself.

[co2cleaners]

Mrs.Tracy Smith; I am one first cleaners that have switch from (Perk) to a new cleaning method using CO2,to clean garments, my cliental are very happy. I would like to sit down with you and inform you about CO2 cleaning. I deal with the elite of clothing manufactures cleaning their garment from Armani through Zegna. we deal in high end client's that want the best. please call on us and I will be glad to speak to you about this. I AM ALSO ONE OF MANY,THAT HAD HELP TO BAN PERK IN CALIFORNIA BY HELPING TO INFORM AND EDUCATE THE E.P.A. so lets talk.
Bobby Smerling
Brentwood Royal Cleaners
Santa Monica, California

Here is more info I would love to talk about CO2 cleaning
What is the CO2 Cleaning Process?
The CO2 Cleaning Process is a carbon dioxide-based garment cleaning process that has been developed for use by commercial and retail dry cleaners. Carbon dioxide is a non-flammable, non-toxic, naturally occurring gas that, when subjected to pressure, becomes a liquid and is a very effective solvent. Since the solvent is recognized as being environmentally friendly, it is not subject to any environmental regulations or liability potential from soil or groundwater contamination. CO2 CLEANING PROCESS FACT SHEET
What is the Carbon Dioxide Cleaning Process?
How does the cleaning performance compare with Perc? How difficult is the process to operate and learn?Are there certain fabrics that cannot be run in the CO2 Cleaning process?Is wrinkling a problem with the CO2 Cleaning process?

[sheldonbray1]

CO2 cleaners still dispose of waste like a perc cleaner. Perc residue left in the clothes will be removed by the CO2 process and therefore to stay on the safe side any residue removed from the clothes is disposed of properly. If you were cleaning all new clothes you could dispose of the dirt in a landfill.
CO2 removes the soils wetcleaning can't and Wetcleaning removes the soils CO2 can't. The stains CO2 doesn't remove are the same stains Perc doesn't remove.

To find a CO2 cleaner near you, www.FindCO2.com

The debate goes on: According to: http://www.fabrics.net/fabricca.aspWet Cleaning is described as a new process by some cleaning establishments. They advertise that their process will replace dry cleaning and the environmentally dangerous solvents they use. However, until this process is perfected and proven to effectively replace dry cleaning, caution should be used by the consumer. Wet cleaning is accomplished by using water based chemicals. Some cleaning establishments actually claim to have this service but just hand wash the garment and then professionally press the garment. This process works well with some fabrics which have manufacturers labels stating "hand wash". Garments with labels printed "dry clean only" may shrink, fade, or wrinkle so badly that pressing does not restore then original look of the fabric. New "wet cleaning" stores are available in some areas. The "wet cleaning" process involves computer controlled machines, soap, conditioners and finishers. This new process is supposed to replace dry cleaning. However, until the wet cleaning process has been thoroughly tested, care should be taken before taking your favorite "dry clean only" garments to the new establishments. Outer fabric, interfacing, linings, shoulder pads, and finishes all react differently when washed. Some fabrics shrink or change shape when washed. Some shoulder pads are designed for dry cleaning only and may fall apart when washed.

[ragdoll333]

My parents owned a small drycleaner for five years and used perchloroethylene. Several times a week my father scooped the lint out of the trap with his bare hands. Twenty years later he died of kidney cancer. Without a doubt he died from his exposure to perchloroethylene. But he never became part of the statistical history of the danger of this chemical because no one documented this connection. There are probably thousands of other small drycleaners that should be part of the statistics but never will be because there is no one taking note.

[fearlesslee]

The Dry Cleaner shown was in violation of the health laws 10 years ago, the DOH issued violations. It is unfair to jump all over the hard working dry cleaners because of one bad operator. We don't ban all automobiles because of 1 bad driver. In fact NYS has the toughest environmental regulations (Part 232)in the entire country. I think this was an old story rehashed to fill air time. The story was poorly researched and sensationalized, therefore it did not give a fair and accurate assessment of the situation.

California has placed restriction on solvents, (including perc), largely because Silicon Valley%u2019s computer industry (silicon wafers) has been abusing acids, solvents and other chemicals they use as a daily part of their industry, including solvents stored in massive underground tanks. They leaked into the ground, spreading as far as 300 feet and tainting groundwater around their facilities. Their government has %u201Cestablished a certain amount of cradle to grave liability and a high degree of chemical accounting.%u201D

Here are Pros and Cons on dry cleaning solvents and alternatives.

CO2 FINDINGS CLASS IIIA SOLVENT: This process appears to be supplemented either with wet cleaning and a solvent process or outsourcing and has not been used long enough to gauge public acceptance. The process operates at 800 lbs psi, the detergent used is a hydrocarbon compound, is not labeled hazardous by EPA standards but is labeled hazardous by OSHA standards.

WET CLEANING: Additives to detergent such as amyl acetate, tannic acid, hydrofluoric acid as a rust remover, glycol as a softener, etc which are flushed into municipal water systems. High risk of shrinkage, not suitable for wool, cashmere, acetate, silks.

PERC: No dioxins, the EPA has not been able to classify perc as a human carcinogen, based on inadequate data and a NIOSH study subcohort among workers during longer duration with PCE exposure and limited in its ability to study health effects due to a). absence exposure for the workers and b.)lack of data on lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking. %u201CPerc does not contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, depletion of stratospheric ozone or global warming. Based on these considerations, it is concluded that this solvent does not constitute a danger to the environment on which human life depends, or to human life or health%u201D. Bibliography NCI, NTP, ACGIH, NCOEEB

PETROLEUM SOLVENTS: Classified as a hazardous chemical because its burn and flashpoint is well-below the threshold of 140 degrees, has no carcinogenic effects on human health, but can cause skin irritation, can leave a distinguishable odor or residue.

PETROLEUM SOLVENTS and CLASS IIIA SOLVENTS: EXXON DF2000 synthetic hydrocarbon, highly flammable, same classification as Petroleum Solvent.

Perhaps the chemicals, viruses and bacteria present on clothing before processing are more significant than the process itself. It is Important to Read the following Information.

The dry cleaner housed in the establishment Ms. Smith refers to is highly atypical (not typical) of dry cleaners who use world-class, environmentally-friendly technology. In fact it is safe to say, that dry cleaner in Ms. Smith%u2019s story was/is using terribly antiquated technology which in no way should be confused with today%u2019s world-class technology, no matter what type of solvent is being used. Today%u2019s technology (including perchloroethylene), consumes a hugely significant decrease in solvent consumption, are dry-to-dry, (meaning go in dry, come out dry with a vacuum vent that does not allow the door to be opened until any vapors present are well-under established safe limits) are closed loop, come equipped with triple-safety control systems, do not contribute to air emissions, or ground contamination( are equipped with safety spill *****) do no emit waste water, and any waste deemed hazardous is contained, and shipped to a waste facility that, in turn, recycles and purifies the waste.

[peteym1]

I have been wet cleaning for 5 years and if you thinj it is just soap and plain old water you are sadly mistaken . Why do'nt you come in for a visit and I will show you what is used and how it is done. If done properly you will not have shrinkage and color fade. Just remember you only have 1 side of the story.

[sheldonbray1]

CO2 cleaning is not a class IIIA solvent. It is a gas, that under 800 psi turns to liquid, and can then clean clothes. The very first detergent contained hydrocarbon. The detergents used today are safe.

Proper wetcleaning doesn't use amyl acetate, tannic acid, hydrofluoric acid as a rust remover, glycol as a softener as stated in an eailer post. These are stain removal agents that are used by hand and removed from the garment prior to wetcleaning. These solutions are then disposed of as hazardous waste.

Professional wetcleaning is safe for wool, cashmere, acetate & silk. Wool & Cashmere actually feel 5 times better after being professionally wetcleaned. The problem is some cleaners don't buy the expensive wetcleaning equipment and do it in a regular washer. Then the is problems. Like in the story, you can see they idea of wetcleaning was a home washer, and you saw the lady put the jacket on with sleeves 6 inches short. THAT IS NOT WETCLEANING.

CO2 & Wetcleaning will produce the results demanding consumers require.

To find it in your area www.FindCO2.com

[juniper12]

There is a new study that found that children whose parents were dry cleaners who used PERC, tetracloroethylene were 340 X more likely to developed schizophrenia than children in the rest of the population studied. This chemical might cause damage to the sperm making cells or in some other way damage the the developing brains of children of drycleaners.
Schizophr Res. 2007 Feb;90(1-3):251-4. Epub 2006 Nov 17. Links
Tetrachloroethylene exposure and risk of schizophrenia: Offspring of dry cleaners in a population birth cohort, preliminary findings.

[janet2u]

RE: Schizophrenia and low sperm production: Many human genes exist as polymorphism. Some individuals appear to have an increased susceptibility to such environmental influences compared to others, who seem to escape unscathed. The most accepted explanation is that of genetic susceptibility. Hydrocarbon exposure, to a greater or lesser degree, is an unavoidable consequence of life in a modern industrialized society: these chemicals are found in car exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, volatile fuels such as petrol, and some aerosols, to name but a few sources. Because evidence for the toxic nature of these compounds continues to accumulate, many countries have taken measures to reduce overall hydrocarbon exposure, e.g. reducing car exhaust fumes and emissions from factories and power stations, as well as setting %u2018safe%u2019 levels of exposure at the workplace. It is also known that radiation exposure, ionizing rays, cosmic rays, x-rays, radiographs, microwaves, ultrasound, electromagnetic fields, chemical exposure, endocrine disruptors, DDT, diethylstilbestrol, DES, heavy metals, dioxins,even prescription drugs impair the human body. So tell us something we don't know.

[janet2u]

Even birth control prescription drugs metabolized by the female body, then flushed down the toilet and showing up in drinking water has been known to cause low sperm count.

[h2onlycleanr]

Wet Cleaning does work when properly done. It is easy to learn, poses no issues with landlords, co-located residences, the environment, customers' clothes, and most importantly, workers' and customers' health. Get right to the issue: which is more critical, clothing or health? I don't think anyone can make an argument here for the clothing.

My wife and I have operated a 100% wet cleaning operation for three years. We may, in fact, now be the largest in the US now with 5 locations. You do not achieve this type of growth with a process that was reported, in this news piece, to ruin clothes. The NCA spokes-woman came across a lobbyist protecting the interests of her membership. Of course, we'll not be joining to her organization as she clearly would not properly speak for us as wet cleaners.

In our area several dry cleaners have left the industry due to landlords opting out of leases because of site contamination. This bodes well for open minded dry cleaners willing to consider new technologies or those looking for new business opportunities. More consumers will discover wet cleaning. Savvy dry cleaners will too.

[janet2u]

Remember, no matter what type of solvent a dry cleaner uses, there are absolutely no excuses for a product that is less than impeccable, (smelling fresh, clean and odorless and restored to as a superior condition as is possible.) And Every %u201CBentley%u201D type of dry cleaning unit manufactured today is fully equipped to deliver optimum safety, efficiency and results. That, my friends, is a guarantee.

NO DRY CLEANER SHOULD BE USING ANYTHING LESS!!

Every dry cleaner should also have the ability to wet clean at least 50 to 60% of the garments brought to them, without problem.

The operator should, at a minimum, be fully capable of maintaining the dry cleaning unit daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annually and annually to ensure optimum efficiency, optimum safety, and optimum care of the environment and a client%u2019s wardrobe.

Anything less, is completely unacceptable.

So no matter what type of solvent is in use (and they all have their pros and cons), there simply are no excuses. If you are not a master of this trade, you have no business being in the dry cleaning business. Period!

[tinybubbles3]

we are taking a green house gas and capturing it before it can harm the ozone layer and using as a cleaning fluid one of the best cleaning fluids known to man the problem is, is that is made by mother nature and not dow chemical or G.E so those of using this technology do not have the resources availabe to us to get in front of the public and help to change this industry that is driven by these chemical giants.for more information on co2 clenaing visit www.blueskycleaners.com

[sheldonbray1]

California has put a ban on perc. No new perc machines can be installed after this year.

The state of California will provide cleaners grant money to change to CO2 or wetcleaning. These are the methods the state officials found to be the safest. They originally included Siloxanes (Green Earth) , but after review dropped it from their recommended technology.

Find a CO2 or wetcleaner near you www.FindCO2.com

[janet2u]

%u201CUnfortunately, unlike wet cleaning, the detergents used in CO2 cleaning do contain some volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and CO2 cleaning systems costs are almost double that of wet cleaning systems making them a less viable financial alternative for small businesses. Other dry cleaning alternatives, including hydrocarbon solvents and siloxane, appeal significantly to dry cleaners as similar in process and cost to perc. These solvents are labeled as greener options because they are recognized as less toxic than perc, however, both the EPA and the Coalition for Clean Air have determined that these solvents can't be labeled safe for health or the environment until considerably more testing is done. Hydrocarbon solvents, such as DF2000 may be toxic or contain VOCs, and the EPA has concern over the high flammability of these petroleum-based chemicals. Siloxane solvents such as GreenEarth are currently manufactured using chlorine, and may release dioxin emissions. As with hydrocarbon solvents, siloxane is extremely flammable. EPA notes that siloxane may be a carcinogen. %u201CGreen cleaning%u201D is often a term referring to a 100% wet cleaning method, although some cleaners use these labels even though they may use siloxane and hydrocarbon alternatives. A 2003 Consumer Reports article was less impressed with wet cleaning methods that "left the lamb%u2019s wool jacket severely pilled" and shrank a linen blend skirt "from a size 14 to about a size 10.%u201D

[janet2u]

Last comment a direct quote from a "Green Guide" internet site