Are you aware that your favorite dry cleaners could potentially be harming your eyesight? It’s true – a specific chemical used in the dry cleaning process has been linked to the development of vision and nerve difficulties. It’s known as tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and if you’re not careful, it could put you at risk for irreversible damage to your vision.
The Impacts of PCE on Vision
Research from the Boston University School of Public Health has shown that exposure to PCE can impair your ability to distinguish colors. The most concerning part? The damage may be irreversible, and most of us don’t even know about it. Let’s explore the research and the dangers of PCE further, so you can make more informed decisions the next time you pick up your dry cleaning.
In the study, it was revealed that individuals who had been exposed to PCE-contaminated water due to inadequate installations of vinyl liners in water pipes found themselves struggling to identify colors. Long-term exposure can cause irreversible damage to optic nerves, which affects your overall vision.
High Stakes for People’s Health
Understanding the risks of PCE exposure is crucial because it affects more than just your vision. PCE has also been linked to breast cancer and birth defects, making it incredibly hazardous for both pregnant women and anyone looking to maintain good overall health.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Now that you’re aware of the risks associated with PCE exposure, let’s discuss some practical ways to protect yourself and your vision the next time you visit the dry cleaners.
- Ventilate Your Clothes Before Wearing Them: If your clothes smell like chemicals when you pick them up from the dry cleaners, take them outside and let them air out for a while. This will allow the chemical odors to dissipate and minimize any danger posed by PCE exposure.
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Choose an Eco-friendly Dry Cleaner: Not every dry cleaner uses harmful chemicals like PCE. An increasing number of dry cleaners focus on being eco-friendly and using safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives to harsh solvents. Ask your dry cleaner if they use a safer method, or search for one near you.
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Avoid Over-Dry Cleaning Clothes: To further minimize your risk, consider decreasing how often you take your clothes to the dry cleaners. Many clothes, such as blouses and suits, can be spot cleaned or hand-washed to maintain their appearance without the need for dry cleaning. Over-dry cleaning can wear down your clothing and expose you and the environment to unnecessary risks.
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Store Dry-Cleaned Clothes Properly: Keep your dry-cleaned clothes in a well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight, which can contribute to the release of harmful chemicals stored in your clothes.
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Switch to Wet Cleaning or Liquid CO2 Cleaning: Explore alternatives like wet cleaning and liquid CO2 cleaning, which are more environmentally friendly and gentler on your clothing. Not only will you be protecting yourself from the dangers of PCE, but you’ll also be doing your part for the environment!
Bringing Awareness to the Dangers of PCE
Growing awareness about the detrimental effects of PCE on vision and health will encourage consumers to question dry cleaning practices and demand safer alternatives. By taking the time to inform yourself of the possible perils of PCE and sharing this information with others, you can help drive the change in the dry cleaning industry. So, the next time you pick up your freshly cleaned clothes, remember the steps you can take to protect your vision and your health from the potential dangers of PCE.
