Perc banned in California - Updates

E: The Environmental Magazine, March-April, 2003 by Roxanne Khamsi

In a decision last December that may set a national precedent, Southern California air-quality officials voted unanimously to impose the nation's first ban on perchloroethylene, also known as "perc." A common chemical used in dry cleaning, perc is a toxic air contaminant and major groundwater pollutant. Studies have linked long-term perc exposure to kidney and liver damage and increased risk of cancer. The vote requires phasing out of perc dry cleaning by 2020 in Los Angeles. Cleaners currently using the chemical will also have to upgrade their technology by 2007 to reduce perc emissions.

The air-quality board also approved $2 million in grants to aid dry cleaners that switch to a nontoxic alternative, including "wet cleaning" (see "Greener Cleaners," Currents, September/October 2000). Owners of dry cleaners in the region, many of them Korean-Americans, have voiced objection to the new ban, citing high costs. CONTACT: South Coast Air Quality Management District, (800)CUT-SMOG, www.aqmd.gov.