As everyone changes to greener cleaning, green dry cleaning is another one to follow. As people realize the dangers of using PERC (perchlorethylene/tetra-chlorethylene), dry cleaners are slowing changing over to using DrySolv, a patented, stabilized n-propyl bromide mixture. Here are some benefits of changing over from using PERC.
Here are some benifits of using of DrySolv:
* It’s not a carcinogen, is non-flammable, has no flashpoint, does not contribute to global warming and the
waste is non-hazardous
* Will work with existing PERC machines.
* Has shorter run times/shorter dry times therefore less energy use
* Has lower dry temperatures (it boils at 70°C (32°C lower then PERC)
Dangers of PERC:
* Exposure to very high concentrations of PERC can cause dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, difficulty in speaking and walking, unconsciousness, and death.
* Irritation may result from repeated or extended skin contact with it. These symptoms occur almost entirely in work (or hobby) environments when people have been accidentally exposed to high concentrations or have intentionally used PERC to get a “high”
* Much of the PERC that gets into water or soil evaporates into the air. Microorganisms can break down
some of the PERC in soil or underground water. In the air, it is broken down by sunlight into other chemicals or brought back to the soil and water by rain
From the Winnipeg Free Press April 23rd 2008
Take the time to think about what you can do to make sure that cleaning your laundry is as healthy for the environment as it can be. You might be surprised at the options that are open to you. Learn how to go green thoughout our lives, from home to garden and office and more.
