Posted on 01/25/2007 4:19:18 PM PST by Extremely Extreme Extremist
It's The Nation's First Statewide Ban Of The Chemical
(AP) SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California regulators on Thursday enacted the nation's first statewide ban on the most common chemical used by dry cleaners, pleasing environmentalists but worrying some small businesses.
By 2023, no more dry-cleaning machines that use the toxic solvent perchloroethylene, a potential carcinogen, will be permitted in the state.
The regulation by the California Air Resources Board will phase out the fluid next year, banning dry cleaners from buying machines that rely on the solvent. The state's 3,400 dry cleaners who now use it must get rid of machines that are 15 years or older by July 2010.
"Dry cleaners have known this is a problem for quite some time," board member Dorene D'Adamo said. "There is a cost to society, and believe me taxpayers are paying for it."
The rule was embraced by environmental and health advocates, who urged the board to accelerate the ban because of the chemical's health effects. The solvent has contaminated one in 10 wells in California.
Meanwhile, cleaners said eliminating the most common dry cleaning solvent could drive them out of business because alternative methods are unproven and more costly.
"It could shut down some mom-and-pop operations -- the little guys that can't afford it," said Bob Blackburn, president of the California Cleaners Association.
I'll bet you think huffing nail polish remover is perfectly safe.
Come to think of it, that might explain the intelligence level of your posts.
Drycleaned clothes aren't going to do a darn thing to you. Now, if you choose to open up a can and pour it on yourself, that's a different story. It's just more nanny-state environmental whackoism that will be the death of this state.
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb/HESIS/perc.htm
HOW PERCHLOROETHYLENE ENTERS AND AFFECTS YOUR BODY
Perc enters your body when you breathe its vapors in the air. Liquid perc can be absorbed through your skin, to a limited extent. The most common effects of overexposure to perchloroethylene are irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, or skin, and effects on the nervous system, as described below.
Skin: Lengthy or repeated skin contact with liquid perc removes the natural protective oils from your skin. This can cause irritation, dryness, cracking, and dermatitis (skin rash).
Eyes, Nose, and Throat: Perc vapors in the air at levels above 75 parts per million (see "Legal Exposure Limits") may irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, causing burning and coughing. Perc does not have any long-term effects on the eyes, nose, throat, or lungs.
Right. I'm sure you know much more than those who publish the MSDS sheets for this chemical.
I used to call it the turkey state: There is a gobbler behind every tree.
Ha Ha Ha!!! I just found out where you tied you goat!!! Ha Ha Ha!!! (and I really got it!!!)
LOL!LOL!LOL!LOL!LOL!LOL!LOL!
The MSDS says nothing about any side effects from clothing cleaned with Perchloroethylene.
Here is your data sheet--the only problems are with the RAW chemical, especially if you decide to drink it.
http://www.drycleancoalition.org/perc.htm
Talk about people with a gender identity crisis!!! Phhhhhhhhhhhht!!!
Give me a break. I already read the MSDS data sheet and posted some of it.
It warns of "contact with skin".
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