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Dry Cleaning Tip
| FACT: |
The U.S. Department of Labour and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) state that Perchloroethylene (PERC), a chemical used in dry-cleaning, poses a serious health risk for both humans and the environment. |
| WHAT IS DOES: |
They state that PERC is a possible carcinogen and repeated exposure to this chemical can cause symptoms such as memory loss and ear, nose and throat irritation. |
| WHAT YOU CAN DO: |
Next time you bring your clothes to the dry cleaner ask them if they use PERC to clean your clothes. If they do, ask them if they can use water instead (they may have to use a chemical spot remover to remove a stain, but at least it won’t cover your entire garment). If this is not possible, air your clothes outside for several hours before wearing them (remove the plastic first). |
| CONCLUSION: |
Whenever possible, choose an environmentally friendly cleaner who uses biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning methods and products such as wet cleaning and/or liquid carbon dioxide. Visit www.epa.gov for more information on PERC. |
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