Avoiding PERC

I was shocked to discover that the clothes I send to the cleaners are being washed in a solvent that has been classified as a "probably human carcinogen" by the World Health Organization.

Perchloroethylene, or PERC, is used by three out of four dry cleaners. Whenever we pick up our clothes at the cleaners, we get a whiff of its strong, fresh scent. And, many of us appreciate that "like-new look" that it gives many of our more expensive clothes. We know that our clothes will not shrink or fade and they will last longer.

According to Consumer Reports Magazine, there is "a small but definitely increased risk of cancer from wearing freshly dry-cleaned clothes once or twice a week." Other negative effects could include: dizziness, fatigue, headaches, irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.

So, what can we do?

• Stop buying clothes that require dry cleaning.

• Investigate cleaners who are using more environmentally-safe methods. "Wet cleaning" washes garments using special soap and plain water.

• When picking up your clothes from the cleaners, unwrap them and air them out as soon as you get home. It would be a good idea to take the plastic bag off before entering the house.

• Anyone who lives or works in a building that has a PERC dry cleaner, should ask the Ministry of Health to check the level of PERC in the air.