Fiesta Cleaners DF2000 dry cleaning VS our local competitors: Perchloroethylene cleaning and its adverse health side effects read below

We here at Fiesta Cleaners do what's best for our staff and our customers, which is why we invested in the safest Solvent for our dry cleaning process DF2000. Here is some info for our customers and future clients as to why we don't use and recommend getting away from cleaners using Perchloroethylene (Perc) solvent for their cleaning process like our local competitors. Be sure to ask and verify with your dry cleaners, no matter where you go, what they use, because it matters for your health and the health of our environment.

DF-2000 is a safer, synthetic hydrocarbon alternative to perchloroethylene (Perc) for dry cleaning. It offers lower toxicity, reduced environmental impact, and is not classified as a hazardous air pollutant, unlike Perc. While Perc is a stronger, faster cleaner, it is a suspected carcinogen and heavily regulated, whereas DF-2000 is gentler on clothes but requires specialized equipment.

DF-2000 Dry Cleaning Solvent (Hydrocarbon)

• Safety/Health: Significantly lower toxicity than Perc; safer for workers and customers, with less risk of long-term health effects.

• Effectiveness: Excellent cleaning performance on most garments, often described as safer and more effective at removing oils.

• Environmental Impact: Lower environmental impact, biodegradable, and not classified as a hazardous air pollutant, simplifying compliance.

• Process: Often requires longer dry cleaning cycles than Perc.

• Equipment: Requires different machines than traditional Perc systems, often requiring investment in new technology. We invested in it for you and your safety.

  
  

Perchloroethylene (Perc)

• Safety/Health: Classified as a carcinogen; causes respiratory irritation and dizziness, with strict regulation on air emissions, among other health conditions it can also exacerbate existing conditions.

• Effectiveness: While an effective and aggressive cleaner, often for very heavy soil, but can damage many delicate items (beads, sequins, and more).

• Environmental Impact: Extremely High risk of soil and groundwater contamination.

• Equipment: The industry standard for decades, but being phased out in many regions.

  
  

Key Takeaways

• Transition: Many cleaners are moving to DF-2000 to avoid regulatory pressure and safety concerns related to Perc.

• Cost: DF-2000 is generally considered a competitive, high-performance alternative.

Perchloroethylene (often called "perc" or PCE) is a colorless, heavy chlorinated solvent (

) Historically used as the primary agent for dry cleaning garments and degreasing metals it has since been discovered to be terrible for both the environment and human health. It dissolves oils and stains well; however, due to it being a potential carcinogen, neurotoxicant, and environmental pollutant, it is being phased out in many areas in favor of alternatives like professional wet cleaning and hydrocarbon cleaning.

Key Aspects of Perc

• Chemical Properties: Tetrachloroethylene is a nonflammable, dense liquid that dissolves grease, oils, and waxes.

• Usage: It is commonly used for dry cleaning clothes and in industrial metal degreasing ect.

• Health Hazards: As classified by the EPA. Exposure (inhalation or even skin contact) can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and central nervous system depression, and much more.It is a volatile chemical solvent used in dry cleaning that poses significant health risks through inhalation or skin contact, acting as a central nervous system depressant and a likely human carcinogen. Chronic exposure can cause kidney and liver damage, neurological issues (dizziness, headaches), and cancer. When cleaning with it, it can remain in garments and be absorbed by the body.

• Environmental Impact: Perc is a persistent pollutant that can contaminate soil and groundwater heavily, causing many dry cleaners that use it to be shut down when a spill occurs.

• Regulations: Due to toxicity, many regions (e.g., California, Minnesota) have passed bans or phase-outs of perc in dry cleaning.Key Regulations and Phase-Out Info:

  • National Ban Timeline: Following Dec. 19, 2024, new machines cannot use perc. Third-generation machines will be prohibited within 3 years, and a total ban on all perc dry cleaning occurs within 10 years.

  • Residential Ban: The EPA banned the use of perc in dry cleaning machines located in residential buildings.

  • Texas Regulations: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires strict compliance with federal standards for hazardous air pollutants.

  • Existing Restrictions: Dry cleaners using perc must abide by strict environmental regulations regarding waste disposal and site contamination. The EPA has mandated the removal of perc machines from residential buildings.

  Occupational Safety and Health Administration

While still used, the industry is transitioning to safer alternatives like professional wet cleaning, siloxane (D5), or hydrocarbon solvents.

Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a volatile chemical solvent used in dry cleaning that poses significant health risks through inhalation or skin contact, acting as a central nervous system depressant and a likely human carcinogen. Chronic exposure can cause kidney and liver damage, neurological issues (dizziness, headaches), and cancer.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (.gov)

Key Health Risks and Symptoms

• Acute Effects: Short-term exposure to high levels of PERC vapors can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and dizziness.

• Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure is linked to liver damage, kidney damage, impairment of the central nervous system, cancers, and more.

• Carcinogenicity: The EPA and international agencies classify PERC as a likely or probable human carcinogen. It is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, such as leukemia, in workers with high exposure.

• Other Potential Effects: Research suggests possible links to reproductive problems and adverse immune system effects.

  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (.gov)

Exposure Risks and Safety

• Occupational Risk: Dry cleaning employees face the highest risk from inhaling fumes during machine loading, cleaning lint traps, or handling garments.

• Consumer Risk: Residual PERC can remain on clothes, causing "off-gassing" in homes, particularly with heavier fabrics. Studies indicate that the chemical can remain on clothing for long periods.

• Risk Mitigation: To reduce risk, consider using cleaners that do not use PERC.

  Occupational Safety and Health Administration

According to the (CDC/NIOSH), controlling these exposures is crucial for protecting workers, and for information on the broader issue, (Ohio Air Quality Development Authority) provides context on the dangers of PERC. To learn more about how the chemicals can linger, (EWG) offers a detailed report on residual chemicals on clothing. For a breakdown of the health hazards, (snedicors.com) offers comprehensive information.