FACT check: Tetrachloroethylene, the predominant chemical solven

Q. What is perc?

A. Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene, or perc, is the predominant chemical solvent used in dry cleaning. Perc is also used in the cleaning of metal machinery and to manufacture some consumer products and other chemicals. It is a clear, colorless liquid that has a sharp, sweet odor and evaporates quickly. It is an effective cleaning solvent and is used by most professional dry cleaners because it removes stains and dirt from all common types of fabrics. Perc is also a toxic chemical with both human health and environmental concerns. To minimize these concerns, EPA is working with the dry cleaning industry to reduce emissions and over time phase out uses of perc in some settings. However, EPA does not believe that having your clothes dry cleaned with perc will result in an increased risk for adverse health effects for you or your family.


http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/perchloroethylene_fact_sheet.html
 

看到你们谈论

dry clean， 我心有余悸。 我知道有个EPA的超点就是地下水被这个sovent 污染。 几乎30年后还在clean. 俺很少买需要dry clean的衣服， 从不穿西服。老公现在个各种学术会议越来越causal, 从原先的西装革履到现在的T恤牛仔裤， 所以他有比较昂贵的西服，但极少穿，所以没有了干洗的需要。偶尔会有羊毛的外衣用蒸汽来洗。