E.P.A. Bans Cancer-Causing Chemicals Used in Dry Cleaning
Finally some good news!
Two cancer causing chemicals used in dry cleaning ( and more) were finally banned by the Us EPA this week!
The chemicals:
Trichloroethylene, or TCE
a toxic chemical used in cleaners, spot removers, lubricants and glue.
Known to cause liver cancer, kidney cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and to damage the nervous and immune systems.
It has been found in drinking water nationwide
ALL uses of the chemical ARE BEING BANNED
Perchloroethylene, also known as Perc.
Most well known for its use in dry-cleaning ( it is responsible for that sweet smell so common in dry cleaners) it is also used in automotive-care products.
Known to cause liver, kidney, brain and testicular cancer, and can damage kidneys, the liver and the immune system.
Long-term, low dose, exposure to perc can also increase the risk of memory loss, damage to the liver and kidneys, skin irritation and blisters, and dizziness.
Multiple organizations — including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer — have classified the chemical as a probable human carcinogen. Perc can also biodegrade into TCE.
All consumer uses of this product are being banned ( industrial uses, including in aviation and defense are still allowed)
Timeline:
For TCE
The ban will prohibit the use of TCE in all products within a year, with some exemptions in the phaseout plan, including for its use in electric vehicle batteries, cleaning aircraft and medical devices, and manufacturing refrigerants while the industry transitions to climate-friendly ones.
For Perc
The perc ban gives companies less than three years to eliminate uses of the chemical in all consumer products, as well as in many industrial and commercial workplaces. It also gives dry cleaners 10 years to phase out all uses and prohibits perc use in newly acquired dry-cleaning machines after six months.
In California, a prior ban required perc dry-cleaning machines to be phased out by Jan. 1, 2023.
Note: Rules that have been put in place in the final stretch of the Biden administration, like this one, are vulnerable to the Congressional Review Act, which allows an incoming Senate to overturn any regulation finalized near the end of a presidential term.
Until these bans go into effect- is traditional dry cleaning safe?
Not really. These chemicals linger on the clothing even once you bring it home and place it in your closet. Once these are removed/ banned We will have to see what chemicals substitute them. Currently there are quote a few Alternatives but many have pros and cons.
Wet cleaning: likely the best alternative available. The downside is that it is not widely available yet
Carbon dioxide as a liquid or supercritical fluid. It is quite costly to get the specialized equipment and that not widely available but generally considered a safer alternative toO
High Flash hydrocarbons: ( petroleum-based solvent Which can bio accumulate and give off VOCs. Can be allergenic and toxic
Acetal: New chemistry so not much environmental nor health and safety data available
Propylene glycol ethers: Have been used as an alternative to perk for some time now. Petroleum based.. Considered dermal ocular and respiratory irritants. Acute exposure may affect liver and or kidneys
Siloxane (solvent used in the “Greenearth solvent system”): Exposure to high vapor concentrations can cause uterine tumors in rats.. also a dermal and ocular irritant.
If you have to dry clean, here are some tips to decrease your exposure to harmful chemicals
By less dry, clean only clothing! Wear it multiple times before sending to the dry cleaner
Remove plastic covering and allow clothing to air out before bringing it indoors or at least into your closet
Ask your local dry cleaner what they use. Remember green claims have absolutely no merit.