Perchloroethylene Overview
Perchloroethylene is still used by 28,000 dry cleaners in the United States as of 2016. The EPA is phasing out perchloroethylene from all consumer uses within 2 years and from dry cleaning within 10 years. It dissolves greases and grime without affecting fabrics. Chemicals in these substances can react to form ground-level ozone, linked to respiratory effects. Perchloroethylene is a reproductive toxicant, neurotoxicant, potential human carcinogen, and persistent pollutant. Various regulations and safety measures minimize worker exposure where perchloroethylene is used, including ventilation, protective equipment, and strict handling/storage protocols. Efforts made alternative solvents and cleaning methods less harmful to health and environment.
Usage and Regulation
Is PCE still used today?
Perchloroethylene is still used by 28,000 dry cleaners in the United States as of 2016. The EPA would allow its use in petrochemical manufacturing and limited aerospace applications. When applied in the 1930s, perchloroethylene must have seemed a miracle solvent – it cleans well and is nonflammable, unlike previous solvents. The EPA is phasing out perchloroethylene from consumer uses and dry cleaning within 10 years.
Trichloroethylene Use in Dry Cleaning
Do dry cleaners still use trichloroethylene?
Perchloroethylene is still used by dry cleaners in the United States. The EPA phases out its use from consumer products and dry cleaning within 10 years. It dissolves greases without damaging fabric. The EPA allows its use in some manufacturing. Efforts made alternative, less harmful solvents and cleaning methods.