Why it matters:

Did you know that the dry cleaning industry is known to use highly toxic chemicals which are absorbed by the fabric and released by body heat onto our skin and into our bloodstream?  Not cool.

Recap:

The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has proven that PERC, the primary solvent in dry cleaning, is known to cause disruption in the central nervous system and debated to a known carcinogen.  The dry cleaning industry denies these claims, yet  considerable data exists linking PERC to a range of cancers.

When there are alternatives such as wet cleaners – why pay to have your clothing doused in chemicals?

Aside from PERC, dry cleaners also use naphthalene, a suspected carcinogen and reproductive toxin, as well as, toluene and xylene both known neurotoxins.

The dry cleaning industry not only releases toxic emissions into the atmosphere, causing ozone depletion as well as greenhouse gas effects, but is also poisoning the personnel working in the industry and its client base.  The minute you open the “fresh” dry-cleaned clothes, you risk contaminating yourself and the people around you.

Commentary:

The common logo usually pasted on dry cleaned clothes states We love our customers … I beg to differ.  Aside from dry cleaners using PERC they are also commonly known are to spray starch and stain remover on clothing – additional chemicals unnecessarily added to your threads.

In a world where we are bombarded with chemical residue in everything from cosmetics, to cleaning supplies and even our food, it is imperative to begin to question some of the many practices that have become a part of our daily lives…like dry cleaning.

Creative Solutions:

• Use an Eco Cleaner
• Tell your dry cleaner to keep the bag
• Clean your indoor air with plants

Tagged as: clean, clothes, Clothing, delicates, dry cleaners, dry cleaning, emissions, Green Living, indoor air quality, neurotoxins, toxins, washing machine, wet cleaners