Article: Perc problems

Tuesday October 6, 2009

THE most commonly used dry-cleaning solvent, perchloroethylene (perc), is associated with a host of health and environmental concerns.

While responsible handling of the chemical minimises these risks, they are not eliminated altogether.

Some of the major concerns:

Health

> Perc enters the body when breathed in, or through contaminated food or water.

> According to the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, short-term exposure to perc can affect the nervous system, causing dizziness, fatigue, headaches, sweating, inco-ordination and unconsciousness, while long-term exposure can cause liver and kidney damage.

> It is classified as a possible human carcinogen

> A Danish study showed that pregnant dry-cleaning workers are twice as likely to have a miscarriage in comparison to pregnant women in other jobs.

> A study by University of California at Berkeley discovered that male dry-cleaning employees have more sperm abnormalities and a significantly lower sperm count.

Environment

> Perc is classified as a chlorocarbon. While not as potent as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), evaporated perc can still react with ozone in the upper stratosphere and cause a depletion of the ozone layer.

> It can evaporate into the atmosphere during the dry-cleaning process.

> If not disposed properly, perc can contaminate groundwater and soil.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Lifestyle: Focus 6 October 2009