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Dry cleaning operations use a liquid chemical solvent, typically
perchloroethylene (perc), to clean natural and man-made fabrics. Perc may be
used without risk of shrinkage, fading of dyes, or otherwise harming sensitive
or delicate fabrics. Used perc cannot be dumped down the drain when it becomes
dirty, but must be recycled through filtration and/or distillation and
disposed of as hazardous waste.
Perc is classified as a Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) that "may cause or
contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious illness, or
which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health." The potential
risk to public health from perc dry cleaning operations includes:
Cancer risk:
Non-cancer risk:
Acute toxic health effects from relatively prolonged exposure to
high levels of perc: Headache, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and irritation
to the skin, eye or respiratory tract. Massive acute doses can induce
central nervous system depression resulting in respiratory failure.
Effects of chronic exposure to lower perc levels: Dizziness,
impaired judgment and perception, and damage to the liver and kidneys.
Because of these potential risks to public health, the use of perc in dry
cleaning operations is subject to regulation and oversight by local (AQMD, local fire departments, local sanitation
districts), state (CARB,
DTSC, OEHHA), and federal (EPA) government agencies.
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