How Dry Cleaning Contributes To Pollution

Dry cleaning is a common service in urban areas, but it has been associated with environmental contamination due to the use of toxic chemicals. These chemicals, such as chlorinated solvents like PCE, are resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment for decades, posing serious health risks to residents and workers. The contamination occurs through leaks and spills, affecting soil and groundwater, and leading to costly cleanup processes and environmental liabilities. While some regions have started to phase out toxic chemicals, the historical presence of dry cleaning establishments continues to impact the environment. With growing awareness and the development of eco-friendly alternatives, the industry is evolving towards safer practices.

Dry cleaning chemicals are toxic and cause cancer

Dry cleaning is a chemical process that uses liquid solvents to dissolve stains on garments. This process is associated with the use of chlorinated solvents, especially perchloroethylene (PCE), also known as tetrachloroethylene or perc for short. PCE is a chlorinated hydrocarbon commonly used by the dry cleaning industry and is recognised as a toxic chemical.

Health organisations, including the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), have classified perc as a "likely human carcinogen". This means that prolonged exposure to perc has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Studies of dry cleaning workers exposed to perc have shown associations with several types of cancer, including bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. In addition, a 2009 study found that living near a dry cleaner that uses perc increases the risk of developing kidney cancer.

The use of PCE in dry cleaning has been associated with environmental contamination and pollution. PCE is resistant to environmental degradation and can persist in the environment for decades. It is also mobile and volatile, easily evaporating and intruding into breathing air, a phenomenon known as vapor intrusion. The contamination caused by PCE can pose serious health risks to individuals living or working near dry cleaning establishments.

While there has been a push to replace PCE with alternative chemicals, there are concerns about the potential risks associated with these new agents. Some substitutes, such as Siloxane D5, have been linked to potential cancer hazards. Hydrocarbon dry cleaning fluids, for example, have been found to cause cancer in rats. This highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding the health and environmental impacts of any new chemicals introduced in the dry cleaning industry.

Overall, the chemicals used in dry cleaning, particularly perc, are toxic and have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The contamination caused by these chemicals has led to significant concerns about the environmental and health impacts of dry cleaning processes. As a result, there is a growing awareness among consumers about the hazards of perc and a push for the industry to adopt safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Dry cleaning establishments contaminate groundwater

Dry cleaning establishments are common in urban settings, and so is the contamination associated with their activities. The chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process make dry cleaners heavy environmental pollutants.

The chemicals used in dry cleaning are toxic, mobile in the environment (especially through their volatile nature), and resistant to degradation. Chlorinated solvents (especially PCE) are associated with dry cleaning activities. These chemicals are resistant to environmental degradation and may persist for decades, posing serious health risks. Vinyl chloride (VC) and 1,4-dioxane are also associated with dry cleaning activities.

The contamination caused by dry cleaning establishments can have serious consequences for the environment and public health. It can also result in significant costs for cleanup and remediation, which can range from $400,000 to $500,000 but can go up to $3,000,000. The total national cleanup cost for dry cleaners in the United States is estimated to be around $7.6 billion.

Furthermore, contaminated dry cleaner sites can expose property owners to significant toxic tort liability, especially since these businesses tend to be located in densely populated areas. The contamination can migrate considerable distances and pose a risk of vapor intrusion into residences, schools, and other buildings located above the plumes. Historic dry cleaners pose a particular risk because former operations used more solvents, and the equipment used at that time resulted in numerous spills.

Dry cleaning businesses account for 36% of PCE usage in the US

Dry cleaning businesses are prevalent in cities, towns, and urban areas across the United States and Canada. Unfortunately, so is the pollution and contamination they create. The chlorinated solvent PCE (perchloroethylene), introduced to the dry cleaning industry in 1931, is a significant contributor to this issue. Dry cleaning businesses account for 36% of PCE usage in the US, according to recent studies.

PCE is a toxic chemical that resists degradation and poses serious environmental and health risks. It can persist in the environment for decades and is associated with dry cleaning activities. The contamination caused by dry cleaning businesses can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the environment but also nearby residents, businesses, and lenders.

The main mechanism through which PCE and other contaminants are introduced into the environment from dry cleaners is leakage through sewer lines. This leads to groundwater contamination, which has been confirmed by studies in California, Montana, and Florida. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that an average dry cleaner generates over 650 gallons of hazardous waste each year, and approximately 75% of the 30,000 dry cleaners in the US are contaminated.

The contamination caused by dry cleaning businesses has significant implications for commercial real estate. The strict and costly cleanup standards, environmental liabilities, and rising operational costs associated with dry cleaner pollution can impact the financial viability of commercial properties. Additionally, the presence of historical dry cleaning operations in an area can further complicate remediation efforts and determine the responsible party.

With the increasing availability of alternative, safer chemicals, a total replacement of PCE in dry cleaning operations was expected by 2020. Greener options, such as wet cleaning, which uses biodegradable soap and water, are now available. These advancements are crucial steps towards reducing the environmental impact of dry cleaning businesses and mitigating the pollution they contribute to.

Dry cleaning shops emit hazardous air pollutants

According to studies, contamination is common among dry cleaners, with an estimated 75% of the approximately 30,000 dry cleaners in operation having some form of contamination. This has led to significant remediation costs, with the EPA estimating a total national cleanup cost of $7.6 billion. The main mechanism of contamination is through leakage into sewer lines, which can lead to groundwater contamination.

To address these issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for dry cleaning facilities using PCE. These standards aim to reduce PCE emissions and require dry cleaners to use specific equipment, such as halogenated hydrocarbon detectors or PCE gas analyzers, to detect and repair leaks. New area source PCE dry cleaners are also required to operate with refrigerated condensers and carbon adsorbers to reduce emissions further.

While modern equipment and preventive measures have helped reduce accidental spills and leaks, the historical use of toxic chemicals in dry cleaning has left a lasting impact on the environment. With the development of alternative safer chemicals, a total replacement of PCE in dry cleaning operations was expected by 2020. However, the transition to safer alternatives may be challenging due to the limited resources of small dry cleaning businesses, which often lack environmental insurance.

Green dry cleaning is eco-friendly but expensive

Dry cleaning has long been associated with contamination and environmental pollution. The chemicals used in the process, such as chlorinated solvents like PCE, are toxic and harmful to human health and the environment. These chemicals are resistant to degradation and persist in the environment for decades, posing serious health risks to those living near dry cleaning establishments.

Green dry cleaning has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional dry cleaning. It utilizes methods and materials that are gentler on garments and the environment. Green dry cleaning methods vary, but the most effective ones use liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) or silicone-based solvents. In the CO2 cleaning process, garments are placed in a specialized machine that uses high pressure to convert CO2 into a liquid state, which dissolves dirt, fats, and oils from the clothing. At the end of the cycle, the liquid CO2 is pumped back into a storage tank for reuse, making the process environmentally friendly as no new CO2 is generated.

While green dry cleaning is environmentally friendly, it is also expensive. The cost of a CO2 dry cleaning machine is very high, making the initial costs of implementing green technology and processes higher than traditional dry cleaning. However, as green dry cleaning becomes more prevalent, prices are expected to decrease, making it a more accessible option for consumers. The availability of green dry cleaning services is also increasing due to the growing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives.

The cost of dry cleaning varies based on the type of item, fabric, and special care required. Delicate fabrics like silk or items labeled "dry clean only" typically incur higher fees. Stains also influence pricing, with special attention and stain removal techniques impacting the final cost. Ironing and wash-and-wear services are additional expenses, with ironing fees ranging from $2 to $10 per garment and wash-and-wear services costing around $1.75 to $2.10 per pound.

In conclusion, green dry cleaning offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional dry cleaning, but its higher costs may be a barrier for some consumers. However, as the demand for green dry cleaning increases and technology becomes more accessible, prices are likely to become more competitive, making it a more viable option for those seeking sustainable garment care.

Frequently asked questions