tetrachloroethylene is a chemical that is most commonly used in dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers, and carpet and upholstery cleaners. The molecular formula for this chemical is C2Cl4 (Or CCl2 = CCl2). The chief scientist of environmental protection for the New York Attorney General’s office labels this as a neurotoxin and it is considered a possible carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. This chlorocarbon is a central nervous system depressant and can enter through the respiratory system or skin. It dissolves fats inside the skin and can give someone a nine times higher chance of developing Parkinson's disease. Although it is unlikely, If this chemical reaches a temperature over 315°, it can oxidize into a highly poisonous gas known as phosgene which has been used as a chemical weapon.
This chemical is no longer made in Canada but it is still imported from other countries. When soil is exposed to this chemical, the properties such as its high density and toxicity at low levels causes it to become harder to remove than oil spills. It has been detected almost everywhere in Canada which includes in our air, soil, and drinking water. In 2002 alone, six kilotons were imported. The improper disposal of this chemical is what is causing this to appear everywhere in Canada's soil, air, and rivers.
The scary thing is that people do not understand how dangerous this chemical is. Residents who live close to dry cleaners and any facility that uses these chemicals are reporting dizziness, loss of coordination, and other symptoms. Because of all the negative effects, the EPA in the United States ordered that by the year 2020, tetrachloroethylene can no longer be used in residential buildings. Canada has listed this as a toxic chemical that will have negative long term effects but have not taken any action against it.
The complete solution for this with dry cleaning would be to use "wet cleaners". They are the safest and most Eco-friendly alternative. Everything that comes from wet cleaners can be poured down the drain and there is no need for any special chemical recycling. What bothers me is that this method is cheaper then using typical dry cleaners and yet more people are using dry cleaners rather then wet cleaners. What causes this is that almost every company will put "dry clean only" on their delicate products when almost all of them are actually able to be cleaned by a wet cleaner.
The question I have is why is nobody accepting this technology when it has no negative effects at all. Does anyone believe they have a reason for this or why there is barley any dry cleaners that have a least one wet cleaner machine?
References
Ec.gc.ca, (2013). Tetrachloroethylene - Pollution and Waste - Environment Canada. [online] Available at: https://www.ec.gc.ca/toxiques-toxics/Default.asp?lang=En&n=98E80CC6-1&xml=6CEC27AA-B6C0-4021-9839-B6854977C06D [Accessed 15 Jun. 2015].
Epa.gov, (2015). Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene) | Technology Transfer Network Air Toxics Web site | US EPA. [online] Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/hlthef/tet-ethy.html [Accessed 15 Jun. 2015].
Sholl, J. (2011). 8 Hidden Toxins: What’s Lurking in Your Cleaning Products?. [online] Experience Life. Available at: https://experiencelife.com/article/8-hidden-toxins-whats-lurking-in-your-cleaning-products/ [Accessed 15 Jun. 2015].
Steinemann, A., MacGregor, I., Gordon, S., Gallagher, L., Davis, A., Ribeiro, D. and Wallace, L. (2011). Fragranced consumer products: Chemicals emitted, ingredients unlisted. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 31(3), pp.328-333.
Wikipedia, (2015). Phosgene. [online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosgene [Accessed 15 Jun. 2015].
