A staggering 98% of all dry cleaners in the United States use petroleum, siloxane, or perchloroethylene, all of which are hazardous pollutants. If the personal health effects and environmental impact of dry cleaning weren't bad enough, consider that every year, 1 billion metal hangers and 25 million pounds of plastic bags end up in landfills across the county.

Petroleum, also known as Hydrocarbon or DF-2000, is considered by the EPA to be a volatile organic compound (VOC), a major cause of air pollution. Typical DF-2000 dry cleaning machines emit about 36 gallons, or 230 pounds, of hydrocarbon annually. DF-2000 is so polluting that the California Air Resources Board estimates if all PERC cleaners in the state converted to hydrocarbon, there would be an increase in VOC emissions statewide of two tons per day.

Further, there are indications that frequent exposure (depending on the derivation of the hydrocarbon) is toxic, and can lead to respiratory illness and depress the central nervous system. Vapors can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Frequent or prolonged skin contact can cause irritation and dermatitis.

Hydrocarbon used in the dry cleaning process is also dangerous for the environment, creating waste and pollution including:

• Distillation sludge and lint which is so toxic that State of California dry cleaners must use a licensed hazardous waste collection company for its disposal
• Smog from VOCs released into the air
• Contaminated water created by the cleaning process

Consider as well that you carry home another 7-10% of the hydrocarbon in your clothing. Do you really want something this toxic hanging in your closet?

Silicone, Siloxane or "GreenEarth" (as it is marketed) is gaining rapid acceptance as an "environmentally friendly" and "non-toxic" PERC alternative. However, preliminary animal testing supervised by the EPA suggests that siloxane may increase the risk of uterine cancer and may be toxic to the liver. In addition, Siloxane is manufactured using chlorine which creates a dangerous by-product called Dioxin, a proven carcinogen. Why use a compound that has even just the possibility of causing cancer to clean your clothes if you have a choice?

Simply put: Siloxane is bad news and any dry cleaner that claims to be green because it uses "GreenEarth" is anything but!

Today, about 85% of all dry cleaners in the U.S. use perchloroethylene, or PERC, a colorless, semi-odorous, clear liquid. Although PERC is much less flammable than its predecessors, it does pose significant health risks.

Respiratory exposure to PERC, even for brief periods, can cause depression of the central nervous system, damage to the liver and kidneys, impaired memory, fatigue, nausea, confusion, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, and eye, nose and throat irritation. Skin exposure to PERC can cause dry, scaly, and cracked dermatitis. The degree of health risk from PERC exposure depends upon the concentration of PERC, the length of exposure, and the individual’s sensitivity to it.

Studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute, the National Toxicology Program and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established PERC as a known carcinogen, and the EPA regulates PERC as a Hazardous Air Pollutant. In addition, PERC is fat soluble making it increasingly dangerous with repeated and prolonged exposures. Although especially dangerous to the health of dry cleaning workers, there is also evidence that consumers exposed to PERC have an increased risk of cancer, allergies and respiratory illnesses.