{"hq_id":"hq-p-hom-000231","name":"Dry Cleaning PERC Take-Home Contamination (Garment Off-Gassing, Indoor Air)","category":{"primary":"household","secondary":"garment_care","tags":["dry cleaning","PERC","perchloroethylene","tetrachloroethylene","off-gassing","indoor air","VOC","IARC"]},"product_tier":"HOM","overall_risk_level":"moderate","description":"Perchloroethylene (PERC, tetrachloroethylene) is used in 70% of US dry cleaning — IARC Group 2A probable carcinogen. Freshly dry-cleaned garments off-gas PERC for 1-7 days after pickup: measured indoor air concentrations of 50-200 ug/m3 in homes with freshly cleaned garments (vs 1-5 ug/m3 background). Garments stored in plastic dry-cleaning bags retain PERC longer (bag traps vapors). Residents above/adjacent to dry cleaners: chronic elevated PERC exposure (EPA has relocated families). California phasing out PERC dry cleaning by 2023 (extended to 2025 for hardship). Alternatives: hydrocarbon solvent, liquid CO2, GreenEarth (silicone-based), wet cleaning.","synthesis":{"derived_risk_level":"moderate","synthesis_confidence":0.5,"synthesis_method":"compound_composition","context_used":"human_adult","context_source":"product_users","exposure_modifier":1.1,"vulnerability_escalated":true,"escalation_reason":"Child exposure group","compounds_resolved":1,"compounds_total":1,"synthesis_date":"2026-05-09","synthesis_version":"1.2.0","methodology_note":"exposure_modifier and adjusted_magnitude are computed from ALETHEIA-calibrated heuristics (route × duration × frequency multipliers, clamped to [0.5, 1.4]). Multipliers are directionally informed by EPA Exposure Factors Handbook (2011) and CalEPA OEHHA but are not regulatory consensus. See /api/methodology for full disclosure."},"hazard_summary":{"sensitive_populations":"residents above/adjacent to dry cleaners, dry cleaning workers, children (higher inhalation rate per body weight)","overall_risk":"moderate","primary_concerns":["PERC is IARC Group 2A probable carcinogen (liver, kidney, neurological)","Freshly dry-cleaned garments off-gas PERC for 1-7 days","Indoor air PERC: 50-200 ug/m3 with fresh garments (vs 1-5 background)","70% of US dry cleaners still use PERC"],"exposure_routes":"Inhalation (PERC off-gassing from garments); dermal (wearing freshly cleaned garments)"},"exposure":{"routes":["inhalation","dermal"],"contact_types":["inhalation","skin_prolonged"],"users":["adult","child"],"duration":"days","frequency":"weekly","scenarios":["Freshly dry-cleaned garments off-gassing PERC in closet (1-7 days)","Garments in plastic bag: trapped PERC vapors released when bag opened","Living above/adjacent to dry cleaner (chronic PERC exposure)","Wearing freshly cleaned garments: dermal + inhalation PERC exposure"],"notes":"PERC vapor pressure: relatively volatile — off-gasses readily from fabric. Remove plastic bag immediately after pickup and air garments outdoors or in well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours before closeting. California PERC phase-out: all machines must be replaced by 2025 (SB 926 extension). NYC: no new PERC machines in residential buildings since 2006. EPA: dry cleaner sites are common Superfund contamination (groundwater). Wet cleaning: water-based, EPA-recognized as environmentally preferable. GreenEarth: decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) — EPA DfE-recognized, some environmental persistence concern."},"consumer_guidance":{"usage_warning":"Remove plastic bag immediately and air dry-cleaned garments outdoors or in ventilated area for 24-48 hours before closeting. Do NOT store in plastic bag (traps PERC vapors). Choose PERC-free dry cleaners (wet cleaning, hydrocarbon, liquid CO2, GreenEarth). Many 'dry clean only' garments can be professionally wet-cleaned — ask your cleaner.","safer_alternatives":["Professional wet cleaning (water-based, EPA environmentally preferable)","Liquid CO2 dry cleaning (non-toxic, excellent cleaning)","GreenEarth (silicone-based, low toxicity)","Hand washing at home for many 'dry clean only' garments (wool, silk with care)"]},"regulatory":{"applicable_regulations":[{"jurisdiction":"USA -- California","regulation":"California PERC Dry Cleaning Phase-Out (CARB)","citation":"Cal. Health & Safety Code 41986 + SB 926","requirements":"All PERC dry cleaning machines in California must be decommissioned by 2025 (extended from 2023). No new PERC machines since 2007. SCAQMD Rule 1421: additional local requirements.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":"2025-01-01","enforcing_agency":"CARB / SCAQMD","penalties":null,"source_ref":null}],"certifications":[],"labeling":{"required_disclosures":[],"prop65_warning":{"required":null,"chemicals":[],"endpoint":null,"notes":null},"ghs_labeling":{"required":null,"signal_word":null,"pictograms":[],"hazard_statements":[],"notes":null},"hidden_ingredients":{"trade_secret_protected":null,"categories_hidden":[],"estimated_count":null,"known_concerns":null,"notes":null},"notes":null},"recalls":[],"regulatory_gap":null,"notes":null},"lifecycle":{"recyclable":true,"disposal_guidance":"Garments: normal textile recycling/donation. PERC off-gasses within days — no residual concern for recipients.","hazardous_waste":false,"expected_lifespan":"varies"},"formulation":{"form":"varies","key_ingredients":[],"certifications":[]},"materials":{"common":[],"concerning":[],"preferred":[]},"compound_composition":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000022","compound_name":null,"role":"dry_cleaning_solvent","typical_concentration":"residual on garments"}],"identifiers":{"common_names":["dry cleaning perc take-home contamination (garment off-gassing, indoor air)"],"aliases":[],"manufacturer":null,"brands":[]},"brand_examples":[{"brand":"Zymox","manufacturer":"Pet King Brands","market_position":"premium","notable":"Enzymatic ear cleaner"},{"brand":"Virbac Epi-Otic","manufacturer":"Virbac","market_position":"premium","notable":"Veterinary ear cleaner"},{"brand":"Vet's Best","manufacturer":"Bramton","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Natural pet ear cleaner"}],"brand_examples_disclaimer":"Representative branded products of this category. Concerning ingredients listed in materials.concerning[] apply to the category, not necessarily to every named brand. Specific formulations vary by SKU and may have changed since this record was written; consult the brand's current ingredient label before drawing brand-level conclusions.","sources":[{"type":"expert_curation","name":"ALETHEIA Safety Database","date":"2026-03-25"},{"type":"regulation","title":"California PERC Dry Cleaning Phase-Out (CARB) (Cal. Health & Safety Code 41986 + SB 926)","jurisdiction":"USA -- California","year":2025,"citation":"Cal. Health & Safety Code 41986 + SB 926","id":"src_d79ba8b5"},{"id":"aspca_allium","type":"report","title":"ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Onion, Garlic, Leek, and Chives","year":2020,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000022"},{"id":"salgado_2011","type":"journal","title":"Salgado BS et al. Allium species poisoning in dogs and cats. J Vet Med Sci. 2011;73(9):1231-1233.","year":2011,"inherited_from_compound":"hq-c-org-000022"},{"type":"regulatory","title":"US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)","jurisdiction":"USA","id":"src_defdd418","extraction":"description_reference"},{"type":"monograph","title":"International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)","jurisdiction":"International","id":"src_d9ebbaf2","extraction":"description_reference"}],"meta":{"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-25","timestamp":"2026-05-14T01:28:36.109Z"}}