The State of California is slowly phasing out the use of perchloroethylene, the dry cleaning solvent that has been used for decades to clean our fine clothing. The use of perchloroethylene or 'perc' has many known health effects such as skin rashes, dizziness, headaches, confusion, sleepiness, problems sleeping and walking. Perc is a hormone disruptor and has also been related to fertility issues, spontaneous abortions and menstrual irregularities. Perc has also been related to brain, kidney and liver damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has labeled perc as 'probably human carcinogen'. The chemical is fat soluble and can pass easily through dirt and concrete to pollute underground water supplies. Fat soluble is important to know because the absorption of perc through the skin and through inhalation can allow the chemical to stay in your body for long periods of time through storage in your fat cells.
Since dry cleaning solvents continue to off gas from the clothes that were treated with the chemical, it is best to take some precautionary measures in the effort to keep your indoor air quality as high as possible. First of all, few people understand that indoor air quality is usually by far the greater culprit in human pollution than outdoor air pollution. When we think of air pollution we tend to think of thick gray smog, diesel trucks and spewing factories. However, it is much more common to have high indoor air pollution that has a greater long term health impact than most of us understand. Dry cleaning solvents from off gassing clothing recently dry cleaned is a huge culprit.
The solvent for dry cleaning will continue to off gas from your clothing for over 2 weeks after you have removed the plastic wrap. Most people will bring in their dry cleaning and put it into their closets in their bedroom without a second thought. Not suspecting the off-gassing that continues for weeks afterwords. So, imagine the invisible cloud of dry cleaning solvent hanging around in your bedroom where we spend typically 8 hours a night sleeping and inhaling solvents that can make us sick.
Hang on to your cashmere sweaters, here are some possible solutions to the dry cleaning dilemma:
- When you bring home dry cleaning that has been cleaned conventionally, remove the plastic wrap and let the clothes breathe and off-gas in a place (like your garage) where there is good ventilation and not attached to any living areas. Do this for about 2 weeks before wearing the clothes.
- Use a less-toxic option of 'dry cleaning' such as hydrocarbon, GreenEarth solvent, CO2 or 'wet cleaning'. Some options are more environmentally friendly than others but all are healthier than the conventional use of perc. Here's a map of some healthier options to conventional dry-cleaning in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Not all clothing labeled 'dry clean only' need to be dry cleaned. Learn how to use Woolite or other similar delicate washes and an iron to have home cleaned delicates.
- Do not store dry cleaned clothing in your bedroom, try to store them (after they have aired out) in a place away from your sleeping location, in a place with good ventilation.
- Buy clothing that does not require dry cleaning.
Some conscious effort on your part can help clean up your living environment and help you boost your overall health. Despite all the health risks of perc you will all be comforted to know that if you have a hookworm infection, this chemical solvent might just rid you of your infection. It was used in the early 20th century to treat hookworm infections. Lucky for all of us, doctors have found more effective and less toxic cures for the dreaded hookworm.
Share on Facebook
I loved the way you exlpained things. Much better many here
Regards
Kristina
Posted by: Cartridge Recycling | November 09, 2009 at 06:00 AM
Many different styles clothes in the areas,and shoes,too.now the most popular and beautiful shoes is Air Jordan Flight 9,so today I will introduce you the information about it,and then you need to link my name and see the photos and contact me your problems.thanks.
Posted by: Air Jordan Flight 9 | September 23, 2010 at 02:23 AM
DO YOU WANT TO BUY WINDOWS 7 ? IF SO , THE CHANCE IS COMING . WE ARE ON SALE THESE DAYS. WELCOME TO HAVE A LOOK. FREE SHIPPING.
Posted by: windows 7 premium | October 04, 2010 at 12:10 AM
Good posts you wrote,many ideas I got from it,hope better in the future.
Posted by: jordan 12 | October 21, 2010 at 01:14 AM
So cool post,cool ideas,cool life,I want to be the life you said,but I know I must try the best to come true,and thanks for your thoughts to us,many people are seeking and fighting!
Posted by: jordan 13 | November 01, 2010 at 02:04 AM
It sounds well for this article.
Posted by: buy on taobao | November 11, 2010 at 08:59 PM
All for one, one for all.*
Posted by: chaussure de basket | November 22, 2010 at 10:26 PM
SOSOSO....THERE'S A HERO.
Posted by: New Jordans | January 26, 2011 at 12:49 AM
I would love to check out pictures as well Aby!! I never believed to label the fridge. My cabinets are labeled, although not the fridge. Wonderful plan!!
Posted by: Coach Bags | March 02, 2011 at 05:38 PM
Don't use moth balls they are very bad for you closet air quality.
Posted by: Air Filters Delivered | May 16, 2011 at 09:13 PM
I think that his proposals make sense... They passed the Senate, and even though it can't be a 100% proof of their value, I still think that they definitely deserve a try.
Posted by: Coach Outlet Online Store | July 07, 2011 at 01:25 AM
It's so nice to have you do all of the research for us. It makes our decision making so much easier!! Thanks.
Posted by: MBT Shoes | July 18, 2011 at 01:56 AM
Good to see that article, hoping to see more such articles are.
Posted by: Ken Griffey Jr Shoes | August 17, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Good to see that article, hoping to see more such articles are.
Posted by: Ken Griffey Jr Shoes | August 17, 2011 at 08:22 PM
The tongue is not steel, yet it cuts
Posted by: Air Max Jordan Fusion | August 18, 2011 at 01:19 AM
well this blog is great i love reading your articles.
Posted by: mbt online | August 23, 2011 at 03:08 AM
I am a slow walker , but I never walk backwards.
Posted by: Air Jordan | August 23, 2011 at 11:37 PM
If you want to understand today , you have to search yesterday.
Posted by: Ray Ban Outlet | August 23, 2011 at 11:45 PM
The most reasonable price, best quality, best service for your heart, got it HH
Posted by: cheap jordans | August 25, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Good to see that article, hoping to see more such articles are.
Posted by: Air Max Shoes | September 02, 2011 at 12:33 AM
Great article. These are all great tips.
Posted by: duct cleaning in ottawa | September 02, 2011 at 10:36 AM
We always have time enough , if we will but use it aright. (Johan Wolfgang von Goethe , German poet)
Posted by: Ed Hardy Swimwear | September 09, 2011 at 08:34 PM
Good to see that article, hoping to see more such articles are
Posted by: cheap jordan shoes | September 20, 2011 at 12:18 AM
short periods of time add up to all useful hours I need
Posted by: cheap ghds | September 20, 2011 at 01:41 AM
The nomination of the winner depends on the capability and spirit of the personality to finish the race.I like the post very much as it contain informative in knowledge.I like pics of Chelsea shares of the beauty of running in Madison, Wisconsin.I want to congratulate the winner for the nomination race.I want to know suggestion from others.
Posted by: Jordan High Heels | September 22, 2011 at 06:21 PM