{"hq_id":"hq-p-wer-000002","name":"Dry-cleaned clothing","category":{"primary":"clothing_apparel","secondary":"professional clothing care","tags":["dry cleaning","PERC","perchloroethylene","tetrachloroethylene","dry clean only","suit cleaning","wool cleaning","solvent cleaning","PCE","dry cleaning solvent"]},"product_tier":"WER","overall_risk_level":"high","description":"Clothing and textiles labeled 'dry clean only' that are processed at commercial dry cleaning facilities using chlorinated solvent systems. The dominant dry cleaning solvent historically and currently is perchloroethylene (PERC / tetrachloroethylene) — IARC Group 2A (probable human carcinogen), a potent kidney and liver toxicant, and a persistent groundwater contaminant. PERC-dry-cleaned garments returned to the consumer retain PERC residues that off-gas in enclosed spaces (closets, cars) and are inhaled. Proximity to dry cleaning facilities is a documented environmental justice concern — residential buildings above or adjacent to PERC dry cleaners have significantly elevated indoor PERC.","synthesis":{"derived_risk_level":"severe","synthesis_confidence":0.82,"synthesis_method":"compound_composition","context_used":"human_pregnant","context_source":"product_users","exposure_modifier":1.1,"vulnerability_escalated":false,"escalation_reason":null,"compounds_resolved":1,"compounds_total":1,"synthesis_date":"2026-03-27","synthesis_version":"1.0.0"},"hazard_summary":{"sensitive_populations":"children","overall_risk":"high","primary_concerns":["Carcinogenicity concern (high): Tetrachloroethylene PERC is IARC Group 2A (probable human carcinogen) based on evidence for esophageal cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. PERC from dry cleaning operations migrates through building structures and ventilation into adjacent apartments."],"exposure_routes":"inhalation, prolonged skin contact"},"exposure":{"routes":["dermal","inhalation"],"contact_types":["inhalation","skin_prolonged"],"users":["adult","pregnant"],"duration":"hours","frequency":"occasional","scenarios":["Exposure during pregnancy with potential fetal transfer"],"notes":"Exposure occurs in two phases: acute exposure when the garment is removed from the plastic bag at home (peak off-gassing), and ongoing exposure from PERC residues off-gassing from garments stored in the bedroom or worn against skin. Pregnant individuals should minimize PERC exposure — PERC crosses the placenta and is found in breast milk. Dry cleaning facility workers have the highest occupational PERC exposure."},"consumer_guidance":{"red_flags":[{"indicator":"Fresh dry-cleaned garments brought directly into the bedroom in the plastic bag","meaning":"The plastic bag traps PERC vapors. Opening it in an enclosed bedroom and leaving clothes on the rack creates a high indoor PERC concentration episode.","action":"Remove the plastic bag outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. Air the garment outdoors for 30–60 minutes before bringing it inside. Do not store dry-cleaned clothes in the bedroom closet."},{"indicator":"Pregnancy and regular dry cleaning use","meaning":"PERC crosses the placenta and is found in amniotic fluid at concentrations proportional to maternal exposure. Fetal PERC exposure is associated with adverse developmental outcomes in epidemiological studies.","action":"Minimize dry cleaning during pregnancy. Use wet cleaning alternatives or delay cleaning of 'dry clean only' garments."},{"indicator":"Apartment directly above or adjacent to a dry cleaning operation","meaning":"PERC migrates through building structures and ventilation. EPA has documented residential PERC concentrations in units above dry cleaners at levels requiring remediation action.","action":"Test indoor air for PERC (low-cost passive sorbent tubes available). Contact your state EPA if results indicate concern. Know your rights as a tenant in co-located buildings."}],"green_flags":[{"indicator":"Dry cleaner advertising 'wet cleaning' or 'PERC-free' process","meaning":"Wet cleaning is the EPA-preferred alternative. PERC-free dry cleaners exist in most cities; finding one eliminates garment PERC residue exposure.","verification":"Ask the cleaner explicitly: 'Do you use perchloroethylene?' Professional wet cleaners will confirm PERC-free process."}],"what_to_ask":[{"question":"Do you use perchloroethylene (PERC) as your cleaning solvent?","why_it_matters":"PERC residue on returned garments is a documented home inhalation exposure. Finding a wet cleaner eliminates this exposure pathway.","good_answer":"No PERC — we use professional wet cleaning (aqueous process). Or: We use liquid CO2 cleaning.","bad_answer":"Yes, we use PERC (tetrachloroethylene). Or: We use a petroleum-based solvent (Stoddard solvent — a different hazard profile)."}],"alternatives":[{"name":"Wet cleaning","notes":"Water-based cleaning method eliminates toxic solvent exposure"},{"name":"Home washing","notes":"Safe for most fabrics when following care labels"},{"name":"Green/organic dry cleaning","notes":"Uses biodegradable solvents with lower toxicity profiles"}],"notes":null},"regulatory":{"applicable_regulations":[{"jurisdiction":"USA (California)","regulation":"California CARB — PERC Phase-out (complete by 2023)","citation":null,"requirements":"California banned PERC dry cleaning equipment after 2023 — all California dry cleaners must use PERC-free alternatives. California is the largest dry cleaning market to implement a complete PERC phase-out.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":null,"enforcing_agency":null,"penalties":null,"source_ref":"src_004"},{"jurisdiction":"USA","regulation":"EPA NESHAP — Dry Cleaning Facilities (40 CFR Part 63 Subpart M)","citation":null,"requirements":"EPA NESHAP requires PERC emission controls for dry cleaning facilities; requires PERC-free alternatives for new facilities co-located in residential buildings; residual risk review ongoing. EPA has proposed eliminating PERC from dry cleaning.","compliance_status":null,"effective_date":null,"enforcing_agency":null,"penalties":null,"source_ref":"src_003"}],"certifications":[{"name":"OEKO-TEX Standard 100","issuer":"OEKO-TEX Association","standard":"OEKO-TEX Standard 100","scope":"Tested for harmful substances — 100+ parameters including azo dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates"},{"name":"GOTS","issuer":"Global Organic Textile Standard","standard":"GOTS 7.0","scope":"Organic fiber content, chemical inputs, social criteria"},{"name":"bluesign","issuer":"bluesign Technologies","standard":"bluesign system","scope":"Textile chemical management, environmental performance"}],"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":false,"disposal_guidance":"Donate, textile recycling, or landfill; do not burn synthetic textiles","hazardous_waste":false,"expected_lifespan":"1-3_years"},"formulation":{"form":"liquid","key_ingredients":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000037","name":"Tetrachloroethylene (PERC)","role":"solvent","concentration_pct":"90-99"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Petroleum hydrocarbon solvent (GreenEarth/alternative)","role":"solvent","concentration_pct":"90-99"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"Detergent/spotting agent","role":"surfactant","concentration_pct":"1-5"},{"hq_id":null,"name":"PERC residue in returned garments","role":"additive","concentration_pct":"trace ppm"}],"certifications":[]},"materials":{"common":[{"material_id":null,"material_name":"Perchloroethylene (PERC) solvent residue on garments","component":"process chemical residue","prevalence":"very_common","notes":"PERC is used as the cleaning solvent in the majority of US dry cleaning operations. Freshly dry-cleaned garments contain PERC residues — the amount depends on the drying cycle efficiency, garment material, and individual cleaner's process. Studies have measured PERC residues on returned garments at 0.1–1 mg PERC per garment; heavier fabrics retain more. The PERC off-gases from garments stored in an enclosed space (closet, car, bedroom) creating inhalation exposure."}],"concerning":[{"material_id":"hq-m-sfc-000018","material_name":"PERC (tetrachloroethylene) residue on garments","concern":"PERC is IARC Group 2A (probable human carcinogen) based on evidence for esophageal cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a kidney and liver toxicant. PERC from dry-cleaned garments stored in an enclosed bedroom significantly elevates indoor air PERC — studies have measured bedroom PERC concentrations 2–10× higher in homes that regularly use PERC dry cleaning. PERC in indoor air reaches measurable blood concentrations within 8 hours of exposure.","compounds_of_concern":["hq-c-org-000037"],"source_refs":["src_001","src_002"],"hq_id":"hq-m-sfc-000018"},{"material_id":"hq-m-sfc-000018","material_name":"Dry cleaner co-located in residential building (environmental exposure)","concern":"PERC from dry cleaning operations migrates through building structures and ventilation into adjacent apartments. US EPA has documented PERC concentrations in residential units above dry cleaners at levels requiring remediation. This environmental justice issue disproportionately affects urban renters in older buildings.","compounds_of_concern":["hq-c-org-000037"],"source_refs":["src_003"],"hq_id":"hq-m-sfc-000018"}],"preferred":[{"material_id":null,"material_name":"Wet cleaning (professional aqueous cleaning)","why_preferred":"Professional wet cleaning uses water with specialized detergents and computer-controlled processes to clean delicate fabrics safely. EPA-endorsed as the environmentally preferable alternative to PERC dry cleaning. No solvent residue on garments. Many garments labeled 'dry clean only' can be wet cleaned.","tradeoffs":"Not available everywhere; some ultra-delicate fabrics (heavily beaded, structured suits) may still require solvent cleaning; may require slight adjustment in fabric care expectations."},{"material_id":null,"material_name":"Liquid CO2 cleaning","why_preferred":"Uses liquid carbon dioxide as the cleaning solvent — no chlorinated solvents, no PERC, no toxic residue. Effective for most 'dry clean only' fabrics. Commercial systems exist but are less common than PERC or wet cleaning.","tradeoffs":"Very limited availability; higher equipment cost for cleaners; not accessible in most markets."},{"material_id":null,"material_name":"Home wet cleaning with wool/delicate cycle + proper care agent","why_preferred":"Many garments labeled 'dry clean only' can be hand washed or machine washed on a delicate cycle with cold water — the label often reflects manufacturer liability caution rather than true fabric limitation. Wool wash, Eucalan, and similar no-rinse formulas clean many delicate fabrics at home.","tradeoffs":"Risk of garment damage if care label is accurate (structured garments, sequined/beaded, fused linings); requires judgment about fabric and construction."}]},"compound_composition":[{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000037","compound_name":"Tetrachloroethylene (PERC)","role":"compound_of_concern","typical_concentration":null}],"identifiers":{"common_names":["dry-cleaned clothing"],"aliases":[],"manufacturer":null,"brands":[]},"brand_examples":[{"brand":"Nike","manufacturer":"Nike","market_position":"premium","notable":"Sportswear and athletic apparel leader"},{"brand":"Adidas","manufacturer":"Adidas","market_position":"premium","notable":"Premium athletic and casual wear"},{"brand":"H&M","manufacturer":"H&M","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Mass-market fast fashion retailer"},{"brand":"Target Goodfellow","manufacturer":"Target","market_position":"mass_market","notable":"Budget casual clothing brand"},{"brand":"Lululemon","manufacturer":"Lululemon","market_position":"premium","notable":"Premium athletic and wellness apparel"}],"sources":[{"id":"src_001","type":"journal","title":"PERC residues on dry-cleaned garments and indoor air exposure","url":"https://doi.org/10.1021/es961106v","accessed":"2026-03-08","year":1997,"notes":"Measurement of perchloroethylene residues on returned dry-cleaned garments; indoor air concentrations from garment storage; exposure modeling"},{"id":"src_002","type":"iarc","title":"IARC Monograph 106 — Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) — Group 2A","url":"https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs-On-The-Identification-Of-Carcinogenic-Hazards-To-Humans/Trichloroethylene-Tetrachloroethylene-And-Some-Other-Chlorinated-Agents-2014","accessed":"2026-03-08","year":2014,"notes":"IARC Group 2A classification for PERC; evidence for esophageal cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in occupationally exposed populations"},{"id":"src_003","type":"epa","title":"EPA — Perchloroethylene Air Toxic and Dry Cleaning NESHAP","url":"https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/dry-cleaning-facilities-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air","accessed":"2026-03-08","year":2023,"notes":"EPA NESHAP for dry cleaning PERC emissions; residential building co-location requirements; proposed PERC elimination rule"},{"id":"src_004","type":"journal","title":"California CARB — PERC phase-out in dry cleaning","url":"https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/perc-drycleaning-fact-sheet","accessed":"2026-03-08","year":2022,"notes":"California Air Resources Board PERC phase-out timeline and wet cleaning alternative guidance"}],"meta":{"schema_version":"4.0.0","last_updated":"2026-03-25","timestamp":"2026-05-02T18:16:02.513Z"}}