Rudy Baskette, Supercritical Fluid Technologies, Inc
Perchloroethylene (as seen in the figure below) has been the standard dry cleaning solvent for over seven decades. Dry cleaning with perchloroethylene not only leaves a distinctive chemical odor on clothes, but can damage colored clothing, buttons, and beads. Perchloroethylene is also highly carcinogenic substance. Perchloroethylene remains in clothes; ergo consistent clothing exposure to perchloroethylene substantially raises levels of the carcinogen.