PERC is known to cause cancer in animals and is suspected to cause cancer in humans. PERC also has other non-cancer toxic effects, further underscoring the need to minimize emissions of this hazardous air pollutant. Perchloroethylene is the principal solvent used in the dry-cleaning industry. Its use for garment cleaning has steadily increased over the past four decades.
Solvent emissions occur during the actual dry-cleaning process as well as from fugitive losses.
Process emissions are due to vent loss during aeration, washer venting in transfer machines, and from stills and muck cookers. All dry-cleaning facilities using PERC are subject to the requirements of this regulation. The annual usage of the solvent and the type of equipment being used will dictate which of the requirements are applicable to a particular facility. Therefore, the N.H. Department of Environmental Services, Air Resources Division will be enforcing this new federal regulation.