Are your clothes safe? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indeed taken action regarding chemicals used in dry cleaning due to their potential health risks.¹ Here’s a summary of what the EPA has revealed:

Key Chemicals of Concern:

• Perchloroethylene (PCE or “perc”): This has been the most commonly used solvent in dry cleaning for many years. The EPA has found that PCE can cause:²

• Kidney cancer³
• Liver cancer⁴
• Brain cancer
• Testicular cancer⁵
• Damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys⁶
• Trichloroethylene (TCE): While less common in dry cleaning than PCE, TCE is found in some spotting agents and other industrial products.⁷ The EPA has linked TCE to:

• Kidney cancer⁸
• Increased risk of certain other cancers⁹
• Damage to the central nervous system¹⁰
• Immune system problems¹¹
• Heart defects¹²

EPA Actions:

• Bans: The EPA has issued a final rule banning the use of these chemicals in consumer and industrial cleaning products.¹³ This includes a 1-year ban and a 10-year phase out, with some exceptions for specific industries like battery manufacturing and laboratory activities.¹⁴
• Rationale: These actions are based on scientific evidence demonstrating the significant health risks posed by PCE and TCE.¹⁵ The EPA emphasizes that safer alternatives are available.¹⁶

Potential Risks to Consider:

• Workers in dry cleaning facilities: Those who work directly with these chemicals face the highest exposure risks.
• Consumers: While exposure levels are generally lower for consumers, some residual PCE can remain in dry-cleaned clothes. This can lead to inhalation exposure, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Environmental contamination: Improper disposal of these chemicals can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing further risks to human health and the environment.¹⁷

What You Can Do:

• Choose “green” dry cleaners: Look for dry cleaners that use alternative, environmentally friendly cleaning methods, such as:

• Wet cleaning (using water and biodegradable soaps)¹⁸
• Liquid carbon dioxide cleaning
• Hydrocarbon solvents

• Air out dry-cleaned clothes: Before bringing dry-cleaned items into your home, air them out outdoors to allow any residual chemicals to dissipate.
• Consider alternative care methods: For some garments, hand washing or machine washing may be a suitable alternative to dry cleaning.

It’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with traditional dry cleaning methods. By staying informed and making conscious choices, you can reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals.¹⁹