What do I need to know about the recent EPA ban on dry cleaners?
December 27, 2024 1:58 pm
On December 9th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the ban of PERC (also known as PCE or perchloroethylene) and TCE (trichloroethylene), which are commonly used in many U.S. drycleaning plants today.
As a customer of Anton’s Cleaners, you can feel confident that none of our locations utilize PERC or TCE, which are under scrutiny for serious health concerns.
We have been proud to be PERC-free for over a decade.
If Anton’s doesn’t use PERC or TCE, what cleaning process do you use?
We continually evaluate our equipment and procedures to prioritize the health and safety of our customers, workers, and the environment. Twenty years ago, we decided to phase out our use of these chemicals and move to safer alternatives, specifically Green Earth™ and/or EcoSolv®. Investing nearly $2,000,000 in equipment upgrades, we felt the change was necessary and strived to lead the industry to a safer future.
Anton’s Cleaners works with the cleaning industry, regulatory agencies, and others to ensure that our equipment, products, and processes adhere to recognized environmental standards as a top priority. We have taken the lead in providing a safe environment for our customers, employees, and the community.
Over the past three decades, Anton’s has been recognized by government agencies (US EPA, Massachusetts DEP, Massachusetts Toxic Use Reduction Institute), the drycleaning industry (Drycleaning & Laundry Institute, North East Fabricare Institute), and outside groups (University Leaders for a Sustainable Future, Massachusetts Business Environmental Network) as a leader in drycleaning industry environmental issues.
Why is the EPA banning PERC?
According to OSHA, PERC has long been recognized as an effective dry-cleaning solvent and is today’s most commonly used solvent.
In an article released by the EPA on June 8, 2023: “EPA determined that PCE presents unreasonable risk to health, driven by risks associated with exposure to the chemical by workers, occupational non-users (workers nearby but not in direct contact with this chemical), consumers, and those in close proximity to a consumer use.” The EPA has determined that PERC/TCE is likely carcinogenic to humans.
OSHA and the EPA provide strict handling procedures for dry cleaners operating with PERC machines to reduce worker exposure through preventative maintenance, leak control, proper ventilation, and good work practices.
Depending on the machine, dry cleaners operating PERC will have three to ten years to switch to alternative cleaning methods to comply with the recent EPA ban.
Final Thoughts
The ban on PERC and TCE was not unexpected; the EPA’s intention was first announced in June 2023. Even though this measure provides a generous timeframe for cleaners operating with these solvents time to reevaluate and implement safer procedures, the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute (DLI) is urging its members, and the industry, to be aggressive in moving to alternative cleaning solutions.
Anton’s is thankful and proud to be at the forefront of environmentally friendly standards. Our commitment to environmental excellence is real, continuous, and unwavering.
References:
The Northeast Fabricare Association (NEFA): Peter Blake, 617-791-0128, Peter@nefabricare.com
OSHA: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3253.pdf
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/tetrachloroethylene.pdf
https://americandrycleaner.com/articles/epa-enacts-ban-perc