The Temperature Dependence of the Emission of Perchlorethylene from Dry Cleaned Fabrics

Perchloroethylene, the major solvent used in dry cleaning facilities, has been linked to cancer in animals. Emissions of this chemical from dry cleaned clothes was assessed in test chambers of varying temperatures. A linear relationship between perchloroethylene retention time and absolute temperature was demonstrated; this varies for different fabrics. Pragmatically, while airing out freshly cleaned clothes appears to have no effect, perchloroethylene emissions could be reduced in the dry cleaning process through extended drying at higher temperatures.