Jersey’s dry cleaning industry gets health boost

Dry cleaning. Photo by Simon Law

A grant program set up by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in New Jersey helps small business owners replace old dry cleaning machines that use toxic chemicals.

The program aims to reduce the amount of chemicals released by dry cleaning machines, especially older models that use the harmful chemical perchlolroethylene (PCE).

Since the beginning of the program about seven months ago, 285 dry cleaners have applied for the grant and 86 have been approved so far.

Of approximately 1,600 dry cleaning facilities in New Jersey, 1,100 use PCE as a dry cleaning solvent.

For the allocation of the grant money, priority is given to dry cleaning businesses located in residential settings, such as apartment buildings, mixed commercial and residential strip malls and those located within 50 feet of day care centers.


The dangers of PCE

Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, is a colourless liquid widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics. The industrial chemical is sometimes called "dry-cleaning fluid." It has a sweet odor detectable by most people and it can cause a reaction in people who are chemically sensitive.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified tetrachloroethene as a Group 2A carcinogen, which means that the cleaning chemical is probably carcinogenic to humans. It has been estimated that about 85% of tetrachloroethylene is released into the atmosphere.

Vapors that escape from poorly maintained or faulty dry cleaning machines can seep through walls and into adjacent apartments or businesses. According to the article, PCE is also one of the more difficult contaminants to deal with if it gets into water through spills or leaks because it sinks to the bottom of water supplies.


Industrial-strength air cleaners a boon for small businesses

The RSU Series can help small and
medium business owners improve
their indoor air quality.

Until PCE-using dry cleaning machines can be phased out, small and medium businesses can help protect themselves and their surroundings by installing powerful air purification systems.

Electrocorp’s units feature the deepest beds of activated carbon on the market to remove chemicals, gases and odors from the air, and they also feature HEPA and pre-filters for superior particle control.

If you are concerned about the air quality in your business or neighborhood, contact us today.

Source: http://www.northjersey.com/news/environment/announcements/116795773_Grant_helps_rid_pollutants_from_dry_cleaning_process_.html