Response To Incorrect Allegations Regarding Perchloroethylene in Dry-cleaning

Recent claims were made on French television that exposure to perchloroethylene, a solvent regularly used in the dry-cleaning industry causes cancer in humans. The European Chlorinated Solvents Association (ECSA) believes that this claim is incorrect and not based on the available evidence.
Several independent Committees of Experts have reviewed all the available evidence on perchloroethylene exposure and health. Each of these reports concludes that the evidence shows no increased risk of cancer in humans resulting from exposure to perchloroethylene. Andre Orban of ECSA commented “We are very concerned about the unwarranted and misleading scare stories relating to the use of perchloroethylene in dry-cleaning. Numerous studies over many years have shown that perchloroethylene is safe in dry-cleaning when properly used. Since many years ECSA recommends the use of modern closed equipment and appropriate product handling. This is now mandated by the Solvents Emissions Directive as an adequate measure to ensure the safety of the general public and dry-cleaning workers.”

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