Common Dry Cleaning Chemical Linked to Liver Cancer: 5 Safer Alternatives You Need to Know
New study reveals dry cleaning chemical PCE triples liver disease risk. Discover 5 safer alternatives to toxic dry cleaning and protect your health today.
Introduction: The Hidden Danger in Your Closet
When you pick up your freshly dry-cleaned clothes, that distinctive chemical smell might seem like a sign of cleanliness. However, according to a groundbreaking new study, it could be a warning sign of serious health risks lurking in your wardrobe.
Recent research has revealed a disturbing connection between a common dry cleaning chemical and liver disease. Furthermore, this adds to mounting evidence that our clothing care choices may have far-reaching consequences for our health.
What Is PCE and Why Should You Care?
Understanding the Chemical
PCE, also known as tetrachloroethylene, perchloroethylene, or “perc,” is one of the most widely used industrial solvents in the dry cleaning industry. Despite being labeled a probable human cancer-causing agent by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this toxic chemical remains in use at approximately 6,000 dry cleaning facilities across the United States.
How Dry Cleaning Actually Works
Contrary to its name, dry cleaning doesn’t keep clothes dry. Instead, the process involves:
- Loading garments into large drums
- Soaking fabrics in chemical solvents that dissolve stains
- Washing and drying everything in the same enclosed drum
- Finally, pressing or steaming the finished garments
Modern systems have improved significantly from earlier methods. In the past, workers manually moved solvent-soaked garments between machines, creating direct exposure routes and increasing environmental pollution risks.
The Shocking New Research Findings
Tripled Risk of Liver Disease
A recent landmark study published by researchers at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California has uncovered alarming new health risks associated with PCE exposure.
Key findings include:
- 300% increased risk of liver scarring (excessive tissue damage)
- Additionally, liver scarring can progress to liver disease and cancer
- PCE is detectable in an estimated 7% of the U.S. population
- Moreover, repeated exposure significantly increases the likelihood of liver damage
“If you’ve been exposed to PCE, talk to your doctor about it,” urged Dr. Brian P. Lee, a liver specialist, transplant expert, and the study’s lead author.
Previously Known Health Risks
The National Cancer Institute and other health organizations have previously linked PCE exposure to:
- Bladder cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Neurological problems
- Reproductive issues
Who Is Most at Risk?
High-Risk Groups
Understanding your exposure risk is crucial for protecting your health. Therefore, let’s examine who faces the greatest danger:
1. Frequent Dry Cleaning Users
- Higher-income households face the greatest risk
- Regular use leads to built-up chemical exposure
- Notably, PCE lingers on clothing after cleaning and builds up over time
2. Dry Cleaning Workers
- Direct occupational exposure
- Prolonged daily contact with chemicals
- Consequently, they experience higher levels in workplace environments
3. Nearby Residents
- People living near dry cleaning facilities
- In fact, PCE pollution can spread through buildings
- Once in the ground or structures, it’s extremely difficult to remove
How PCE Enters Your Home
Studies have demonstrated that PCE doesn’t simply disappear after dry cleaning. Instead, the chemical:
- Remains on clothing fibers
- Builds up with repeated cleanings
- Vaporizes into indoor air
- Similarly, it pollutes your home environment
- Persists in buildings and soil for extended periods
The Political Landscape: EPA Regulations Under Review
Current Policy Status
In 2024, the EPA announced a significant new rule. Specifically, it would:
- Ban PCE for most uses
- Provide dry cleaners with a 10-year transition period
- Protect workers and communities from exposure
However, according to EPA spokesperson statements, the Trump administration is currently reconsidering this decision. As a result, the future of PCE regulation remains uncertain.
Industry Response
Jon Meijer, director of membership at the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute International, expressed support for the transition:
“It’s time for a phaseout of perchloroethylene. There are so many alternatives out there.”
Meanwhile, Meijer acknowledged that businesses still using PCE face financial challenges in switching to safer methods. This highlights the need for support during the transition period.
5 Safer Alternatives to Toxic Dry Cleaning
Environmental and health experts agree: there are numerous alternatives to harmful dry cleaning chemicals. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
1. Go Dry-Clean Free
The simplest solution is prevention.
- Purchase professional clothing made from cotton and other washable fabrics
- Look for “machine washable” labels on blazers, dress pants, and suits
- Additionally, build a professional wardrobe that doesn’t require chemical cleaning
- Ultimately, reduce dependency on dry cleaning services altogether
According to Tasha Stoiber, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, “The easiest thing is to look for professional staples that don’t need to be dry-cleaned.”
2. Hand-Washing Delicate Items
Many “dry-clean only” garments can actually be safely hand-washed with proper care. In fact, this method is gentler than you might think.
Best practices:
- First, use cold water to prevent shrinkage
- Next, select gentle soaps designed for specific fabrics (wool, silk, cashmere)
- Avoid harsh scrubbing or wringing
- Then, lay flat or hang to dry, avoiding heated air dryers
- Finally, test on hidden areas first
3. Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning offers a chemical-free refresh for clothing. As a result, it’s becoming increasingly popular.
Benefits:
- Removes odors effectively
- Kills bacteria and germs
- Eliminates small stains
- Smooths wrinkles without washing
- Furthermore, it’s safe for most fabric types
- Available with home steamers or professional services
4. Commercial Wet Cleaning
This professional alternative uses water-based systems instead of toxic solvents. Consequently, it’s much safer for both people and the environment.
Features:
- Earth-friendly soaps
- Water as the primary cleaning agent
- Specialized machines designed for delicate fabrics
- Professional pressing and finishing
- Environmentally friendly process
Therefore, look for dry cleaners that specifically advertise “wet cleaning” services in your area.
5. Liquid Carbon Dioxide Cleaning
The most advanced alternative uses liquid CO2 as a solvent. In other words, it harnesses the power of pressurized gas.
Advantages:
- Non-toxic to humans
- Effective stain removal
- Gentle on fabrics
- Environmentally sustainable
- Moreover, it leaves no chemical residue on clothing
When selecting a dry cleaner, specifically ask if they use liquid carbon dioxide technology.
Beware of Greenwashing in the Cleaning Industry
Not All “Green” Alternatives Are Safe
While many businesses advertise eco-friendly or “organic” dry cleaning, experts warn about misleading marketing practices. Therefore, it’s essential to be cautious.
Diana Ceballos, assistant professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, cautions about “regrettable substitution.” In other words, replacement chemicals can prove equally or more harmful than the original.
How to Avoid Greenwashing
Take these steps:
- First, ask specific questions about the cleaning process
- Then, research the chemicals used by your dry cleaner
- Additionally, look for third-party certifications from reputable organizations
- Avoid vague terms like “natural” or “organic” without explanation
- Finally, request material safety data sheets (MSDS) for cleaning agents
“Most options are far better,” Ceballos said. “But there’s a lot of greenwashing out there, so people should ask questions and do a little bit of research.”
What You Should Do Right Now
Immediate Action Steps
1. Assess Your Exposure
- First, review how frequently you use dry cleaning services
- Next, check if you live or work near a dry cleaning facility
- Finally, consider your total exposure over time
2. Consult Your Healthcare Provider If you’ve had regular PCE exposure, schedule an appointment to discuss:
- Liver function testing
- Screening for potential health effects
- Preventive health measures
3. Audit Your Wardrobe
- Identify which items truly require dry cleaning
- Replace dry-clean-only items when possible
- Instead, invest in washable professional alternatives
4. Find Safer Dry Cleaners Contact local cleaners and ask:
- What cleaning method do you use?
- Do you use PCE/perchloroethylene?
- What alternatives do you offer?
- Can you provide documentation of your processes?
5. Spread Awareness Share this information with:
- Family members who use dry cleaning
- Friends in your professional network
- Community groups and social media
The Broader Environmental Impact
Beyond Personal Health
PCE pollution extends beyond individual health risks to create widespread environmental problems. As a result, entire communities can be affected.
Environmental concerns:
- Groundwater pollution
- Soil contamination that persists for decades
- Air quality problems in neighborhoods
- Wildlife exposure through polluted water sources
- Long-term ecosystem damage
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes PCE as a significant environmental pollutant requiring cleanup at numerous sites across the country.
Expert Voices on the Issue
Mounting Calls for Action
Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz, senior attorney at the advocacy group Earthjustice, emphasized the urgency of addressing this public health issue:
“We now have decades of studies confirming that these widespread dry cleaning chemicals are exposing people to unacceptable risks of cancer and other serious diseases. Those harms are entirely avoidable.”
His statement underscores a crucial point: unlike many environmental health risks, PCE exposure is completely preventable with readily available alternatives.
The Future of Garment Care
Innovation in the Industry
The dry cleaning industry stands at a crossroads. Diana Ceballos notes that “dry cleaning technology has improved dramatically and that new solvents and machinery can be more effective than PCE.”
Emerging trends include:
- Advanced wet cleaning systems
- Carbon dioxide-based technologies
- Enzyme-based cleaning solutions
- Furthermore, ultrasonic cleaning methods
- Ozone treatment systems
These innovations demonstrate that effective, safe garment care is not only possible but increasingly accessible.
Conclusion: Your Health Is Worth the Change
The evidence is clear and compelling: PCE poses serious, avoidable health risks that demand immediate attention. Moreover, with the new study revealing a tripled risk of liver disease, the time to act is now.
Fortunately, you have power over your exposure through informed choices about:
- The clothes you purchase
- The cleaning methods you use
- The businesses you support
- The information you share with others
As research continues to unveil the full extent of PCE’s health impacts, making the switch to safer alternatives isn’t just smart – it’s essential for protecting yourself, your family, and your community.
Remember: Your health is worth more than the convenience of traditional dry cleaning. Therefore, start making safer choices today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my dry cleaner uses PCE? A: Ask directly. Additionally, reputable cleaners will be transparent about their methods. You can also check for a distinctive chemical smell on returned clothing.
Q: Can I test my clothing for PCE residue? A: Yes. Environmental testing labs can analyze fabric samples for PCE pollution, though this may be costly.
Q: Are there any regulations protecting dry cleaning workers? A: OSHA has workplace exposure limits. However, advocates argue they’re insufficient given the health risks.
Q: How long does PCE stay in the body? A: PCE can remain detectable in the body for days to weeks after exposure. However, this depends on exposure levels.
Q: What should I do with clothes that smell like chemicals after dry cleaning? A: First, air them outside in a well-ventilated area before bringing them indoors. Then, consider finding a new cleaner using safer methods.
Additional Resources
- EPA Information on Perchloroethylene
- CDC Toxic Substances Portal
- American Liver Foundation
- Environmental Working Group Consumer Guides
- National Cancer Institute
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