Dry Cleaning

• The primary solvent used in dry cleaning, perchloroethylene (PERC or tetrachloroethylene), is classified as a probable human carcinogen. Long-term exposure has been linked to increased risks of bladder cancer, kidney cancer, lymphatic/hematopoietic cancers, and possibly other malignancies

• Exposure to PERC and alternatives like n-propyl bromide can depress the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as impaired memory, confusion, dizziness, headache, and drowsiness. N-propyl bromide, used as a PERC substitute, is a known neurotoxin and has caused neurological diseases in exposed workers

• Chronic exposure to dry cleaning solvents can damage the liver and kidneys

• Even low concentrations of PERC can cause respiratory tract and eye irritation, as well as headaches and vision problems

• Dry cleaning chemicals can affect the immune system and may impact fetal development if pregnant women are exposed

• Repeated skin contact with solvents can cause dermatitis and allow chemicals to be absorbed through the skin

• Studies have shown an association between high solvent exposure and increased risk of heart disease among dry cleaning workers

• Dry cleaning chemicals can persist in the environment for decades and vaporize from clothing, contaminating indoor air in homes and workplaces

• Some alternative solvents, such as siloxane D5 and hydrocarbon-based fluids, also pose cancer risks or environmental hazards. GreenEarth (siloxane D5) has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals

Dry cleaning products, especially those containing PERC, pose significant health risks ranging from cancer and organ damage to neurological effects and environmental contamination. Even many "green" alternatives have their own hazards. Both workers and consumers may be exposed, with workers facing the highest risks

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Environmental Persistence and Indoor Air Pollution from Dry Cleaning Products

Environmental Persistence

• Dry cleaning solvents such as perchloroethylene (PERC) and trichloroethylene (TCE) are highly persistent in the environment due to their chemical properties. They do not break down easily, leading to long-term contamination of soil and groundwater near dry cleaning facilities
• These chemicals can remain in the environment for decades, creating toxic plumes that migrate through soil and contaminate groundwater, sometimes affecting drinking water supplies
• Even after a dry cleaning business closes or switches to alternative methods, legacy contamination can persist, requiring costly and complex remediation efforts

Indoor Air Pollution

• PERC and similar solvents are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), meaning they can easily evaporate and become airborne. Vapours are released during the dry cleaning process and from freshly cleaned garments, entering the air inside dry cleaning facilities and nearby residences or businesses.
• Studies have found elevated levels of PERC in apartments and businesses located above or adjacent to dry cleaners, sometimes migrating through shared walls or ventilation systems
• These vapours are often odourless and colorless, making them difficult to detect without specialised equipment
• .Prolonged exposure to these airborne chemicals can cause neurological, reproductive, and developmental health issues, as well as increase cancer risk

"Green" Alternatives and Additional Risks

• Some alternative solvents marketed as "green," such as siloxane D5 (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane), are also persistent pollutants. D5 has been found to bioaccumulate in aquatic life and persist in the environment, with evidence of toxicity to wildlife and potential health risks to humans
• These chemicals can enter indoor air through vapor intrusion from contaminated soil or groundwater, further contributing to poor indoor air quality

Summary

• Dry cleaning chemicals are a significant source of both environmental persistence and indoor air pollution, posing ongoing health risks to workers, residents, and the broader community