Is Your Dry Cleaner Secretly Harming You? Rethink That Refresh.

The Hidden Cost of Clean Clothes: Study Links Dry Cleaning Chemical to Liver Damage

A common practice meant to keep us looking our best may be putting our health at risk. A new study published in the prestigious journal *Liver International* is raising concerns about the potential for liver damage linked to tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical widely used in the dry cleaning industry. The research suggests that exposure to PCE could significantly increase the risk of developing severe liver fibrosis, a condition that can lead to irreversible scarring, liver cancer, and even death.

Is Your Dry Cleaner Secretly Harming You? Rethink ...

The study, conducted by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, analyzed data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2017 and 2020. The team tracked PCE exposure in adults aged 20 and older, finding detectable levels of the chemical in approximately 7% of participants. Alarmingly, those with measurable PCE in their blood were found to be three times more likely to develop severe liver fibrosis.

PCE, a colorless synthetic solvent valued

PCE, a colorless synthetic solvent valued for its grease-cutting and stain-removing properties, isn't just lurking in dry cleaning establishments. It's also found in a variety of common household products, including craft adhesives, stain removers, and stainless-steel polish, potentially exposing individuals to the chemical in their own homes.

Beyond direct contact, PCE can also contaminate the environment. The chemical can evaporate into the air and seep into the soil and groundwater through factory waste or improper disposal practices, leading to contaminated drinking water supplies. This environmental contamination further broadens the scope of potential exposure.

The risks associated with PCE exposure are not entirely new. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) already classifies PCE as a probable human carcinogen, linking it to an increased risk of bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. This latest research adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the potential dangers of this ubiquitous chemical.

While the study underscores the need for further research and stricter regulations regarding PCE usage, it also serves as a crucial reminder for consumers to be mindful of their exposure. Considering alternative cleaning methods, opting for "wet cleaning" (which uses water-based solvents) at dry cleaners, and carefully reviewing the ingredients of household products are all steps individuals can take to minimize their risk. The pursuit of clean clothes shouldn't come at the expense of our health.