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Editor's Blog

What's the Problem with Perc?

By Kenneth Barbalace
[Tuesday, March 07, 2006]
Putting on your fresh, dry-cleaned clothes, have you ever noticed that sweet odor? It is not enough to bother many people, and after a few minutes as you rush off to work you likely will forget about it, but it's not something that should be forgotten: it is a toxic chemical called "percholorethylene" or "perc" for short, and you are wearing it next to one of your body's most sensitive organs: your skin.

According to the EPA, we all may be exposed to perc because it is found in the air and drinking water nationwide.

5 comments:

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Anonymous said...

How do you measure perc in the air, water, or soil? This could lead to a good science fair project. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

where are your sources to validate any of this infomation?

Ken (EnvironmentalChemistry.com) said...

Sources are listed at the end of the second page of the main article, which is linked to above via the title and via this link: http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/environmental/200603percholorethylene.html

Anonymous said...

thank you needed them for my research project into the enviromental effects of household cleaners so far i have not found much evedence of a household product (such as PERC) being derectly related to plant death
any thoughts?

Ray said...

I have been sick ever since i picked up my suit at the dry cleaners, now i can go in my car or house without my lips and tongue burning and i get dizzy, can'get rid of the chemical its been 1 month and it seems to contanimate other areas when i air out the car and house,i need help thanks Ray.... silverbird888@yahoo.com

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