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In
this issue: Is frequent dry cleaning a health risk?
Meet
Our Experts
M.
Ann Phillips, PhD
M.
Ann Phillips, PhD Bio., has a background in genetics
and environmental studies. She is starting a holistic
healing practice in Toronto.
Q:
I frequently dry clean my business clothes. Is a health
risk associated with this?
While
exposure to high concentrations of dry-cleaning fluid
are known to adversely affect health, the risk associated
with low level, repeated exposure is harder to determine.
In 2001 the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry issued a public health statement on tetrachloroethylene,
the synthetic chemical in dry-cleaning fluid also known
as perchloroethylene or perc. It noted that dry-cleaned
clothes may still be releasing perc after cleaning.
Recent studies show low levels of perc in homes where
dry-cleaned items are stored and on newly dry-cleaned
clothes. Small amounts of perc have been found in food
prepared near dry-cleaning stores.
The
US National Institute on Environmental Health Sciences
identifies inhalation of high levels of perc with symptoms
of mild eye and nasal irritation, nausea, headaches,
sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, difficulty in speaking
and walking, and anesthesia. Perc affects the liver
and kidneys and causes changes in blood chemistry. Occupationally
exposed workers experience memory loss and confusion,
and in some cases, increased risks of menstrual disorders
and spontaneous abortion. A recent study found altered
neurobehavioural function in healthy adults living near
dry-cleaning facilities.
While
Health Canada has classified perc as unlikely to be
carcinogenic, the International Agency for Research
on Cancer has determined that tetrachloroethylene is
a probable cancer-causing agent.
Minimize
your overall exposure to perc by choosing an environmentally
friendly dry cleaner who uses wet cleaning methods or
a liquid carbon dioxide or silicon-based cleaner. To
find a green dry cleaner, visit the Canadian Centre
for Pollution Prevention at c2p2online.com.
If
you dry clean, plan ahead. Allow clothes to air outside
for three days before wearing. Do not accept clothes
that have a strong odour; they may not be properly dried.
Never dry clean children's clothes. Their developing
detoxification systems are more susceptible to toxins.
If pregnant or breast feeding, limit your exposure to
perc. Do not eat food prepared in a multifunction facility
with a dry-cleaner on site.
References available.
We
welcome your feedback at editorial@teamalive.com.
For more information, visit alive.com
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