A recent article discusses why people with chronic diseases–in this case, liver disease–should avoid dry cleaning:
When putting on fresh, dry cleaned clothes, have you ever noticed that sweet odor? It is not enough to bother many people, and most become accustomed to the smell after just a few minutes. However, this smell is a toxic chemical gas – and the clothing you are wearing lies on your skin, an organ that readily absorbs substances in close proximity.
…
Dry cleaning establishments routinely use the toxic solvent PERC, or perchloroethylene, to clean clothing. PERC is the most popular solvent used in dry cleaning, and is estimated to be used in 85 percent of dry cleaners worldwide. According to the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, PERC exposure can lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness and memory problems. PERC’s toxic byproducts include:
· Vinyl chloride, a proven carcinogen
· Carbon tetrachloride, a known liver toxin
· Phosgene, a hazardous gas that evaporates and can be lethal in closed spaces
· Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), used as an herbicide in the 1950s and 1960s
If your health is compromised by a chronic disease, consider wet cleaning as a healthy alternative. Our solvent-free process is better for your clothes, your health, and your environment!
