EPA Enacts Ban on Perc

Do you not know why Perc solvent used in laundries is regulated by law?

Perchloroethylene (commonly called “Perc”) is a solvent widely used in dry cleaning due to its effectiveness in removing stains and dirt from fabrics. However, its use is regulated by law because of its potential environmental and health risks. Here’s why:

Joe’s Cleaner has had an alternative for a long time

1. Health Risks
Toxicity: Perc is classified as a potential carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Long-term exposure can lead to an increased risk of cancer.
Respiratory and Nervous System Effects: Short-term exposure to Perc fumes can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and irritation to the eyes and throat. Prolonged exposure can damage the central nervous system and liver.
Workplace Safety: Workers in dry cleaning facilities are at higher risk due to consistent exposure, necessitating regulations to ensure safe handling.
2. Environmental Impact
Air Pollution: Perc easily evaporates into the air, contributing to air pollution and smog formation.
Soil and Water Contamination: When spilled or improperly disposed of, Perc can seep into the ground, contaminating soil and groundwater, which is costly and difficult to remediate.
3. Regulatory Framework
Emission Standards: The U.S. EPA regulates Perc under the Clean Air Act, with strict standards for emissions from dry cleaning facilities to limit environmental impact.
Hazardous Waste Designation: Perc is classified as hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This requires dry cleaners to dispose of it through approved methods.
Worker Protection: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces limits on workplace exposure to Perc, requiring proper ventilation, protective equipment, and monitoring.
4. Shift to Alternatives
Due to these risks, many dry cleaners are transitioning to safer and more sustainable alternatives, such as wet cleaning systems, hydrocarbon solvents, or newer technologies like liquid carbon dioxide cleaning.
Regulations aim to minimize Perc’s risks to public health, workers, and the environment while encouraging the adoption of safer practices and technologies.

The ban announced on Dec. 9 affects perchloroethylene, also known as PCE or perc, along with trichloroethylene (TCE). The EPA’s intention of sunsetting of these two solvents was first announced in June 2023, when the agency opened the discussion to the public. Through the efforts of drycleaning industry groups such as the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) and the National Cleaners Association (NCA), however, dry cleaners will have a longer timeline than many other industries to eliminate perc from their process.

Under the ban proposed last year, dry cleaners with older, third-generation drycleaning machines will have three years to transition to alternative solvents. Cleaners with newer fourth- and fifth-generation equipment, which collects and stores perc more efficiently, would have 10 years to make the change.
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