History of Perc

• Perc is the solvent used in dry cleaning that dissolves grease and dirt without water. It is such a powerful chemical that dry cleaners have to be cautious when preparing articles of clothing, as it will cause items in pockets to disintegrate. It also is so potentially harmful that pregnant women are advised to steer clear of it. It is an incredibly outdated chemical, introduced as a solvent in 1934, according to Dry Clean Coalition, but it is still being used in dry cleaning facilities. Dry Clean Coalition also indicates that it was not considered harmful until 1985 when it was deemed a toxic air pollutant, and it was not discovered in groundwater until 1989. In 1990, the first limitations on perc use were put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency.
  
  

Alternatives

• Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Danielle York
  
  Dry cleaner can choose from a variety of methods to avoid the use of perc in their facilities. Liquid CO2 can be used as an environmentally friendly solvent. Another method is known as "wet cleaning," and it involves a mixture of water and biodegradable soap used to clean clothing. Also, hand washing is constantly an alternative and cost effective method, with the suggested use of non-toxic detergent, to avoid using perc emitting dry cleaning.
  
  

EPA Action

• The EPA agency has been addressing perc emissions since the early 90s, and in 2006 the agency issued a final rule strengthening stipulations for all dry cleaners using perc in the United States. The original 90s rule was revised due to advances in technology for emission reduction. According to the EPA, about 28,000 dry cleaners use perc today. The rule aims to phase out perc use completely, as it is the only air toxin currently emitted through dry cleaning. Although the rule does focus on air toxins, not groundwater, it can be implied that with a phase out of the use of perc in general in dry cleaning facilities, groundwater contamination as well as air toxins will be reduced.
  
  

State Programs

• Through EPA, a State Coalition for Remediation of Drycleaners has formed, including 13 states. The states created initiatives that directly affect the groundwater contamination caused from dry cleaning by cleaning up perc using facilities, surrounding areas and more. Other state programs exist outside of this particular coalition as well.
  
  

Future

• The State Coalition for Remediation of Drycleaners' goal is to prohibit the use of all remaining perc using dry cleaners in residential areas by the year 2020. The EPA's 2006 Final Rule should dramatically decrease emissions over time as well.