The federal government is phasing out the most widely used chemical in the dry cleaning industry. After decades of warnings, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a nationwide perchloroethylene (PERC) ban under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The action would greatly reduce consumer exposure to the neurotoxin in brake cleaners, bonding agents, household goods, and dry cleaning.

A wide range of commercial applications are expected to continue with enhanced health and safety control measures in place. From big corporations to mom-and-pop dry cleaners, employers must address the risks their employees face. This article includes details on what business professionals and workers need to know about the EPA PERC ban.

What is PERC?

Also known as PCE and tetrachloroethylene, perchloroethylene is a chlorinated solvent known for its degreasing capabilities. Found in consumer goods such as spot removers and water repellents, it ranks among the most widely used chemicals in the dry cleaning industry.

In 2017, upwards of 60 percent of U.S. dry cleaning machines relied upon PERC. That number has reportedly dipped significantly as states such as California mandated dry cleaning machinery upgrades and PERC usage reductions.

This stable, colorless, non-flammable liquid chemical tends to evaporate quickly at room temperature, leaving a sweet aroma in the air. Classified as a human carcinogen, PERC exposure has been linked to a variety of debilitating and sometimes fatal ailments and health conditions.

Although PERC risk management tends to focus on its prevalent use in the dry cleaning industry, it poses a danger to workers in the automotive industry and manufacturing, among others. Spills and improper disposal have raised concerns about its presence in the soil and contaminated drinking water.

Health Hazards Linked to PERC Exposure

California’s early actions and the phased ban by the federal EPA may leave some wondering why PERC wasn’t forbidden when health hazards were raised during the late 1970s. Perchloroethylene is widely recognized as a reproductive toxicant, neurotoxicant, environmental pollutant, and a carcinogen. Its immunological effects have been credibly documented with studies indicating long-term PERC exposure may increase the risk of cancer, neurological conditions, and respiratory ailments. These rank among the leading health hazards attributed to PERC exposure.

Short-Term Exposure

People working with PERC routinely breathe in or come in contact with the vapors. They commonly experience immediate symptoms that include dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, confusion, loss of motor functions, slowed reaction times, drowsiness, impaired vision, and memory loss. Workers also report irritation and redness of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.

Long-Term PERC Exposure

Those who work with PERC in an ongoing capacity are at greater risk of contracting a debilitating condition that could result in death. Damage to the liver and kidneys, among other significant health problems, has been linked to long-term exposure. The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the EPA consider PERC a potential human carcinogen, suggesting a connection to leukemia, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Longer-term PERC exposure has also been linked to, or presented an increased risk of, developing the following:

  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease)
  • Epilepsy and seizure disorders

It’s also important to keep in mind that PERC is considered a volatile organic compound (VOC). When spills occur, its presence may contribute to air pollution and seep into groundwater. Drinking PERC-laced water can exacerbate wide-reaching health issues and attack the nervous system.

Preparation for EPA PERC Ban

The EPA published its 2024 Final Risk Management Rule for Perchloroethylene, requiring businesses to comply over 10 years. A variety of prohibitions will take effect next year (2026), giving industry leaders adequate time to prepare for the EPA PERC ban. These are ways the EPA is staggering its PERC ban timeline.

  • Manufacturers: With the exception of specified commercial and industrial use, importers and manufacturers must cease PERC usage by June 11, 2026.
  • Processors: With the exception of specified commercial and industrial use, processors must end PERC use by Sept. 9, 2026.
  • Distributors: With the exception of dry cleaning, distribution must cease before Dec. 8, 2026.
  • Retailers:The sale and distribution of products containing PERC must end before March 8, 2027.
  • Dry Cleaners: The EPA sets two deadlines for the industry. General dry cleaners must end PERC product usage by Dec. 20, 2027. Spot-removing businesses have until Dec. 19, 2030.

The EPA does carve out exceptions for commercial and industrial PERC uses. Select organizations can adopt an approved workplace chemical protection program and continue using PERC.

PERC Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP)

Consistent with its phased approach to greatly reducing PERC use, the EPA requires operations that are exempt to implement a WCPP. Depending on the company’s activity and other factors, these EPA mandates apply.

  • Initial Monitoring: Existing facilities have until Dec. 15, 2025, to complete an assessment of airborne PERC concentrations. New operations must meet this requirement within 30 days.
  • Exposure Limits:Organizations cannot exceed the permissible exposure limit (PEL) established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of 100 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average, or the 200 ppm limit for 5 minutes in any 3-hour period. The deadline for existing facilities is March 13, 2026. New operations must adhere within 4 months.
  • Respiratory Protections: All facilities must provide respiratory protections within three months. These may involve breathable masks, filtered respirators, and enhanced ventilation systems.
  • Exposure Control Plan: By June 7, 2027, organizations allowed to continue using PERC are tasked with developing a plan to minimize exposure.

Under the EPA rule, employers must implement a health and safety program designed to educate and train employees about the dangers of PERC exposure by March 13, 2026. The program must communicate the new rule and provide guidance about ways to mitigate the risk of exposure. Open and accessible records must be kept, and all operations are required to update the exposure control plan every 5 years.

Alternatives to PERC for Dry Cleaning

Viable alternatives to PERC are currently available to the dry cleaning and garment restoration industries. These options also have the ability to remove grease, stains, smoke, and other forms of damage while reducing the health risks to workers. These include the following.

Hydrocarbon Solvents

Considered a lower health hazard than PERC, using these solvents calls for modifications to dry cleaning machinery. Hydrocarbon solvents may pose a fire safety risk.

Silicone-Based Solvents

Deemed gentler on fabrics, they are considered environmentally sustainable. While not necessarily regulated by the EPA, silicone-based solvents are combustible and should not be released into sewer systems.

Liquid CO₂ Cleaning

This alternative eliminates toxic emissions and sometimes harmful residue. While it reduces the health risk to workers, liquid CO₂ cleaning comes at a higher cost than PERC and it requires purchasing new and different equipment.

Wet Cleaning

Utilizing water and biodegradable cleansers, wet cleaning sidesteps the problems associated with dangerous chemicals. Wet cleaning remains a safe alternative to PERC and even other options. It typically requires training, new equipment, and proves more labor-intensive in some cases.

Facilities with third-generation dry cleaning equipment have only three years to switch to an alternative. Those with newer machinery have as long as 10 years to transition.

Meanwhile, no one is immune to providing health and safety guidance to employees and utilizing personal protective equipment and disposable clothing.