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California Air Resources Board Report

California Air Resources Board

Dry Cleaning Notice 2009-2

November 2009

Alternative Solvents Used for Dry Cleaning Operations

This information is not meant to be exhaustive as other solvents may also be available. More information on the alternatives may be found in our March 2008, Fact Sheet titled Dry Cleaning Alternative Solvents: Health and Environmental Impacts located at the following website http://www.arb.gov/toxics/dryclean/pub.htm#fact.

Available Alternative Solvents

Water-Based Cleaning

Water-based cleaning systems use water and detergents to clean garments. In general, detergents are approved for disposal into sewer systems by local sanitation districts. Currently there are three types available: 1) professional wet cleaning system: 2) cold water cleaning systems: and 3) Green Jet™ dry-wet cleaning™ systems. Water-based cleaning systems are approved non-toxic and non-smog-forming dry cleaning technologies and qualify for grant money under California’s Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program, established by Assembly bill 998 (AB 998).

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The CO2 process, developed by commercial and retail dry cleaners, is a high pressure system using liquid CO2 as the cleaning solvent. CO2 is a non-flammable, non-toxic, naturally-occurring gas that becomes a liquid solvent when subjected to pressure. There is no expected health risk to the general public from these processes. The CO2 process is also an approved non-toxic and non-smog forming dry cleaning technology that qualifies for grant money under the California’s Non-Toxic Dry Cleaning Incentive Program. The CO2 used in this process is obtained form large combustion sources, so there is no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions due to this process.

Hydrocarbon Solvents

Currently, the types of hydrocarbon solvent technologies available are: 1) DF-2000™ Fluid; 2) PureDry®; 3) EcoSolv®; 4) Shell Sol 140 HT; and, 5) Stoddard solvent. The machines using hydrocarbon solvents re predominately multi-solvent closed-loop machines equipped with primary controls. Detailed information on each of the hydrocarbons is available in the Air Resources Board staff report available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2007/perc07/perc07.htm. Hydrocarbon solvents are considered volatile organic compound (VOC) which contributes to the formation of ozone which is linked t ill-health effects including respiratory irritation, asthma, and premature death. Although there is limited health information on these solvent mixtures, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted a study on the Stoddard solvent that concluded some evidence of carcinogenic activity in male rats. Additionally, the Stoddard solvent can be irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and an also have effects on the nervous system.

GreenEarth® (Volatile Methyl Siloxane)

Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) or volatile methyl siloxane is the ingredient present in the GreenEarth® dry clening solvent used inn multi-solvent machines. The ARB does not consider D5 to be a VOC. In 2007, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) conducted an evaluation of the available D5 information and concluded that exposures of D5 at the highest achievable vapor concentrations cause uterine tumors in rats. OEHHA is also concerned about the potential non-carcinogenic effects associated with D5 and its apparent persistence in the environment and animal and human tissues. However, available exposure information indicates that the use of D5 as an alternative dry cleaning solvent will not pose a risk to the public living near businesses using D5.

Rynex™ (Rynex 3 or Propylene Glycol Ether)

Rynex™ (Rynex 3) is an organic and biodegradable solvent with low volatility and a high flash point. It is considered a VOC. Rynex 3 can be used in most hydrocarbon multi-solvent machines with some temperature and timing adjustments. Rynex3 represents the crren formulation for Rynex™ and consists of a mixture of glycol ethers. Rynex 3 does not contain propylene glycol t-butyl ether which was an ingredient used in a previous formulation for Rynex but instead contains dipropylene glycol tert-butyl ether (DPTB). Currently, ther is limited toxicity data available for DPTB. More detailed information on the toxicological studies for the previous formulation of Rynex™ can be found in the Technical Assessment Reprot available at http://arb.ca.gov/regact/2007/perc07/perc07/.htm.

1-Bromopropane (n-proplyl bromide)

1-Bromopropane (n-proplyl bromide or n-PB or DrySolv) is now being used in California by a small amount of dry cleaning facilities. It is considered a VOC. Although one of the n-PB solvent manufactures has recently began to market a dry cleaning machine specifically for use with the n-PB solvent, this solvent is also being used in modified Perc dry cleaning machines with secondary controls. When using a modified Perc dry cleaning machine, facility owners are learning that n-PB must be used with stabilizers because the chemical is unstable when water is present. This process uses a lot of water and n-PB reacts with the water to form hydrogen bromide, which can be very corrosive. The stabilizer takes up the water and prevents the n-PB from going acid and destroying the dry cleaning machine. This solvent is listed under Proposition 65 as a reproductive toxicant. It causes sterility in both male and female test animals, and harms developing fetuses. It can damage nerves, causing weakness, pain, numbness, and paralysis.

To read the entire report go to; http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/dryclean/notice2009_2.pdf

With all these different concerns why would you even consider any solvent cleaning method to clean your clothes.

We are dedicated to being Green & Sustainable; the system we use is water-based and is deposable into the local sanitation district. Along with the environmentally friendly cleaning method we are also dedicated to reducing waste in our land fills by offering many different alternatives from reusable garment bags and recyclable #5 plastic hangers to reusing as much as we can.

We are not business people capitalizing on the green movement; we are an established dry cleaner changing an industry!

Pacific Heights Cleaners, Sausalito & San Francisco, your non toxic alternative

www.eco-drycleaners.com

Marin’s 1^st & Best Certified Green Dry Cleaner

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Leading an Industry by Example!

Leading by example is often an unrewarding endless endeavor. You put your heart and sole into a cause you believe is right and often your work goes unrecognized and criticized.

Not in this case, the cause is noble and just. And we have been recognized by Federal, State and Local Government Agencies as well as Magazines, News Papers and now the Television Media.

The following is an interview with KTVU Channel 2 News and KTSF Channel 26 Chinese News.

All great leaders will tell you; do what your heart believes in and you will persevere.

Perc phase out interview with KTVU Channel 2 News

Perc phase out interview with KTSF Channel 26 Chinese News

Pacific Heights Cleaners, Sausalito & San Francisco, your non toxic alternative

www.eco-drycleaners.com

Marin’s 1^st & Best Certified Green Dry Cleaner

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New Year Resolution!

Reflecting back as well as looking forward.

“We are not business people capitalizing on the green movement; we are an established dry cleaner changing an industry!”

Our mission remains the same from day one: to serve our customers, improve our industry and care for our environment, as always leading by example.

Reflecting back on this passing year we have made quite an impact in our community. We were honored by Zero Breast Cancer with the 2009 Honor Thy Healer - Francine Levien Activist Award, we helped the San Francisco Department of Environment put on a workshop and demonstration to inform the dry cleaners of San Francisco of the health and environmental hazards of dry cleaning with solvents and the benefits of the Eco Dry Clean (wet clean) System, we were honored by both California State Assembly member Jared Huffman and California State Senator Mark Leno with Certificates of Recognition, we have continued to train other dry cleaners to make the transition to the Eco Dry Clean System, we were one of six dry cleaners invited to Germany to visit the equipment and product manufacturers of the Eco Dry Clean System to see how the equipment and cleaning agents are made as well as to give feed back to the respective companies on how to improve the system. We were featured in the media numerous times in 2009: KTVU Channel 2 news, Local Channel 26 and KMTP Channel 32 news, front page of the San Francisco Chronicle, front page of the Marin IJ, Marin Scope, San Francisco Examiner, front page of the World Journal, Mill Valley Harold, Ross Valley Reporter, Twin Cities Times, Novato Advance, News Pointer, front page of the Sing Tao Daily and Marin Magazine.

Looking forward we are extremely excited with many ideas in the works to further improve our industry and community. We will update you as each idea progress and evolve to fruition. Help make a difference by asking your Dry Cleaner to stop using solvents and switch to the Eco (wet clean) Dry Clean System.

Thank you for your support.

Happy New Year!

Pacific Heights Cleaners, Sausalito & San Francisco, your non toxic alternative.
www.eco-drycleaners.com
Marin’s 1st & Best Certified Green Dry Cleaner.

See the links on our website to numerous agencies regarding the health and environmental effects of dry cleaning with solvents.

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Toxic Use Reduction Institute awards grant to dry cleaner

The Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts/Lowell recently awarded Best Neighborhood Cleaners of Medford, Mass., an $18,000 grant to help discontinue the use of perchloroethylene (PERC). The grant helped fund the purchase and installation of wetcleaning equipment at the store.

“I am very happy to be using this equipment in my shop instead of sending clothes out to be cleaned in perc,” says Nguyen. “This technology is much safer for me and my staff, my customers, and the community.”

“We’re excited that the diffusion of this technology is starting to take hold in Massachusetts,” says Joy Onasch, TURI’s community program manager. “California has converted more than 100 facilities to dedicated wetcleaning, and we’d like to catch up-even if it is once cleaner at a time.”

To read the entire article refer to “TURI awards $18,000 grant to drycleaner” in the American Drycleaner Magazine November 2009 (americandrycleaner.com).

Pacific Heights Cleaners, San Francisco & Sausalito, your non toxic alternative.

www.eco-drycleaners.com

Marin’s 1^st & Best Certified Green Dry Cleaner.

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Changing an Industry!

: It's a small world - Neuschwanstein Castle

: Veit Pressing - tensioning machine

: Meeting with Veit Executives & Engineers

: Early days

: Eco Dry Clean System (wet clean)

: Meeting with Miele Executives

: Kreussler

: Meeting with Kreussler Executives & Chemist

: Dreaming about the Autobahn

Changing an Industry!

We are not business people capitalizing on the green movement; we are an established dry cleaner changing an industry!

Pacific Heights Cleaners goes to Germany. What’s a Eco Dry Cleaner doing going to Germany?

Believe it or not we were one of only six drycleaners in California invited to go to Germany to visit the factories of the Eco Dry Cleaning machines, pressing apparatus and cleaning solution manufacturers. Even though the machines and products are made in Germany, California leads the way in pioneering the change in the dry cleaning industry. We have more dedicated and successful Eco (wet clean) Dry Cleaners in California than anywhere in the world.

Our tour of Germany consisted of approximately 2000km in six days - thank goodness for the Autobahn! We visited three different companies: Veit (pressing apparatus), Miele Professional (cleaning machines), and Kreussler (cleaning solution manufacture) spanning from Munich to Hanover. We toured the factories and saw everything from how the equipment is made to the test labs of the cleaning solution manufactures. The Germans live up to their reputation of producing quality products. All three of the factories hand made their products one at a time. Along with the tours of the factories we got to meet with the movers and shakers of these companies to discuss the Eco Dry Cleaning method and industry. They wanted to learn as much from us as we wanted to learn from them, within our discussions they also want feedback from us on how they can modify their equipment and products to suit our needs.

The trip was short but a great learning experience. To see a different culture really opens your eyes and lets you see things from a different perspective. At one point I was driving on the Autobahn at 180kmh (approximately 115mph) when a car came up from behind flashing their high beams, signaling to pass. After letting them pass I turned to my colleague and said “isn’t this great!” my colleague replies “what?” I said “Just when you think you’re fast, someone is faster and just when you think you’re the best, someone is better!”

What a great trip!

May I dare say again;

We are not business people capitalizing on the green movement; we are an established dry cleaner changing an industry!

Karl

Pacific Heights Cleaners, San Francisco & Sausalito, your non toxic alternative.

www.eco-drycleaners.com

Marin’s 1^st Certified Green Dry Cleaner.

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Chocolate Stains!

Question; A chocolate fountain tipped over on my daughter who was wearing a two-week old dark blue varsity jacket (wool body, leather sleeves). Only a tiny bit of leather got chocolate on it; a lot got on the wool body and the lining. A cleaner that does these jackets can’t get to it for at least a week. Should I attempt to spot clean the wool areas and the lining or leave it alone and wait? What about the formerly white varsity letter? Thanks

Answer; Chocolate is a stain that will set over time but a week or so will not make that much or a difference. Since the chocolate came from a chocolate fountain it will have hardened as cooled down. Most of the chocolate will be sitting on the surface of the jacket with only a small amount penetrating into the fibers.

If you want to try and work on it follow the instructions I gave on my blog site under the Cleaning Tips Category, HOW TO REMOVE CHOCOLATE STAINS (http://yourgreendrycleaner.com/how-to-remove-a-chocolate-stain-from-your-favorite-outfit/ ) except you will be doing it in a larger magnitude. Otherwise leave it for your professional dry cleaner to take a care of for you.

Thanks for sending in your question.

Karl

Pacific Heights Cleaners, San Francisco & Sausalito, your non toxic alternative.

www.eco-drycleaners.com

Marin’s 1^st & Best Certified Green Dry Cleaner.

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Clean a Vintage Synthetic Fur Coat/Jacket?

Question; I recently bought a vintage synthetic fur coat/jacket. It has that old musty, dusty vintage smell. The label says dry clean by fur method. Do you offer this service?

Answer; Yes, We offer cleaning with both the fur method and with a green cleaning method. Use this link to our blog site (http://yourgreendrycleaner.com/synthetic-fur-spread-coat/ ) to see synthetic fur coats and spread that we have cleaned using the green cleaning method. We would have to take a look at the coat first but we should be able to clean it in our green dry clean system and not have to use the fur method which will be a lot more cost efficient for you.

Thanks for the question.

Karl

Pacific Heights Cleaners, San Francisco & Sausalito, your non toxic alternative.

www.eco-drycleaners.com

Marin’s 1^st & Best Certified Green Dry Cleaner.

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Leading an industy

Today is another exciting day in the life of a green drycleaner. We were quoted in today’s San Francisco Examiner article; Dry cleaners face deadline to clean up their act. December 4, 2009.

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Dry-cleaners-still-using-solvent-78495677.html

We were also interviewed by KTVU2, Channel 26, and a host of other medias, both television and print about how we are leading the industry in changing from a solvent base dry cleaning system to a EPA approved non toxic dry cleaning system.

As those interviews become available they will be post on our site for your viewing.

Pacific Heights Cleaners, Sausalito & San Francisco, your non toxic alternative

www.eco-drycleaners.com

Marin’s 1^st & Best Certified Green Dry Cleaner

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Testimonial from Essential for Health

I have been a client of Pacific Heights Cleaners for 14 years. Two years ago, I started a nutrition practice in Mill Valley. My clients have many sensitivities including chemical sensitivities. Solvents used in dry cleaning are very irritating to clients with autoimmune disease, cancer, asthma, respiratory problems and other diseases. Many people have sensitivities to these chemicals and are not aware of it and their dangers. Since Pacific Heights Cleaners has removed all of these chemicals, my clients can feel safe having there clothes cleaned there. Not only are their clothes safe to wear, but the quality of the wok is exquisite. I have a beautiful 70 year old bedspread from Italy that my grandfather gave to my mom that needed cleaning but I was afraid it would be ruined. I brought it to Pacific Heights Cleaners to be cleaned and it came out beautifully. I recommend them not only for the cleaning of your clothes and your treasured items but also for your health.

Willie Victor

Essentials for Health

Nutrition Consultant

415-740-4990

www.essentialsforhealth.info

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