Toxic Dry Cleaning Chemicals

Dry cleaning chemicals contain compounds that can pollute both air and water.

While the use of chemicals in dry cleaning operations is essential in achieving clean and spotless clothing, many of these chemicals pose health risks. With enough exposure to these hazards, a person may experience health problems ranging from dizziness to cancer. The evolution of the industry has involved the use of four toxic dry cleaning chemicals.

Carbon Tetrachloride

Carbon tetrachloride, also known as carbon tet, was the primary chlorine-based agent used in dry cleaning in the early 1930's. This solvent was very effective in cleaning clothes and removing unwanted spots. Carbon tet did not last long as the top cleaning agent, however, as a number of studies determined that constant exposure, through inhalation or skin contact, could cause health problems such as liver damage and kidney degeneration. This chemical was phased out in the 50's and replaced by chemicals such as perchloroethylene.

Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene, or TCE, was introduced into dry cleaning at about the same time as carbon tetrachloride. Since carbon tetrachloride was much more efficient at the time, many dry cleaning businesses neglected using TCE until carbon tet was phased out. When that happened, however, TCE was used for only the pre-cleaning process, which involved spot removal, because of the emergence of perchloroethylene. While TCE is still used by many dry cleaners today for pre-cleaning, this chemical can be quite toxic. Minimal exposure through inhalation may cause headaches and dizziness. Prolonged inhalation can cause kidney, nerve and liver degeneration and damage. Skin exposure to TCE can result in rashes or reddening.

Perchloroethylene

Also known as PERC, perchloroethylene was first used in the 1930's. At that time, carbon tetrachloride was the agent of choice. When it was phased out, perchloroethylene was soon adopted by most dry cleaners. At the time, this chemical was thought to be extremely safe and non-toxic. It was later discovered that exposure to PERC, either through skin contact or inhalation, could lead to cancer. Nevertheless, since it was relatively easy to don face masks and protective clothing, the use of PERC flourished. In early 2006, however, many states adopted a plan to phase out the use of PERC for dry cleaning and replace it with safer alternatives such as DF-2000.

1,1,1-Trichloroethane

1,1,1-trichloroethane, also known as TCA or methyl chloroform, was particularly used for leather cleaning and as a spotting solvent during the 1980's. TCA was never used as a primary dry cleaning chemical because of its highly corrosive properties. While TCA was never considered extremely toxic compared with other dry cleaning chemicals, it did present a few hazards. Respiratory exposure to TCA may result in dizziness and loss of balance. Prolonged inhalation can lead to unstable blood pressure, heart arrhythmia and even unconsciousness. Minimal skin exposure is not an issue, as only a mild irritation may occur.

References

• Dry Clean Coalition: Chemicals Used in Dry Cleaning Operations
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Carbon Tetrachloride
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: ToxFAQs™ for Trichloroethylene (TCE)