home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Time - Man of the Year
/
Time_Man_of_the_Year_Compact_Publishing_3YX-Disc-1_Compact_Publishing_1993.iso
/
moy
/
113092
/
11309925.000
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-04-08
|
1KB
|
36 lines
THE WEEKHEALTH & SCIENCE, Page 26Cleaner Dry Cleaners
An experiment gets under way to replace a widely used solvent,
perc
More than 80% of U.S. dry cleaners rely on the solvent PCE
(perchloroethylene), a chemical that is listed under the Clean
Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant. Perc, as it is commonly
known, can cause dizziness and headaches in workers, and some
controversial studies link it to miscarriage and cancer. Perc
is also fingered for contaminating underground water systems as
well as apartments and restaurants adjacent to dry-cleaning
establishments.
About 40% to 45% of the estimated 500 million pounds of
perc produced annually is used by cleaners. In an effort to
reduce exposure to perc, the Environmental Protection Agency,
in collaboration with trade groups, has launched a four-week
test of a new cleaning method that eschews all chemical solvent
and depends instead on biodegradable soaps along with heat,
steam and pressing. The experiment uses clothing volunteered by
government employees in Washington and New York City. First up
was EPA chief William Reilly, who turned over his regulation
blue suit.