Illinois will soon begin a process of gradually eliminating perchloroethylene, a dry-cleaning chemical also known as PERC, from ever being used in the state. PERC is commonly used by the majority of dry-cleaning businesses. The ban follows California’s 2007 initiative to stop the use of this chemical due to concerns over its long-term adverse affects on human health and the environment.
The last action of the Illinois General Assembly on March 11 included legislation that will gradually bring an end to the use of PERC in the state of Illinois. The amended Environmental Protection Act bans installation of dry-cleaning machines that use PERC starting on Jan. 1, 2011. The law also includes a gradual ban of PERC in certain dry-cleaning applications, effective Jan. 1, 2013. PERC is expected to be completely banned in Illinois by Jan. 1, 2026.
According to the amendment, certain taxes will also be imposed on dry cleaners in addition to this ban. The money will go into a grant account for the Drycleaner Environmental Trust Fund. The funds will be used to establish a program to showcase green-solvent dry-cleaning technologies and to encourage transition to the use of environment-friendly technologies in the field.
California proposed and passed a similar law in 2007, aiming to have PERC completely banned from the state by 2023. That law was pushed by the California Air Resource Board and referenced laws that protect the quality of air.
PERC is believed to have a heavy environmental impact on the air, as well as the ground and the water supply. It may pose adverse affects on the human liver and the nervous system and may cause cancer if someone is exposed to sufficient quantities over a period of time.
California has also placed limits on manufacturers and distributors. These businesses have to keep very strict sales records and report to the Air Resource Board frequently. In California, PERC is labeled as a TAC—a toxic air contaminant.
The last action of the Illinois General Assembly on March 11 included legislation that will gradually bring an end to the use of PERC in the state of Illinois. The amended Environmental Protection Act bans installation of dry-cleaning machines that use PERC starting on Jan. 1, 2011. The law also includes a gradual ban of PERC in certain dry-cleaning applications, effective Jan. 1, 2013. PERC is expected to be completely banned in Illinois by Jan. 1, 2026.
According to the amendment, certain taxes will also be imposed on dry cleaners in addition to this ban. The money will go into a grant account for the Drycleaner Environmental Trust Fund. The funds will be used to establish a program to showcase green-solvent dry-cleaning technologies and to encourage transition to the use of environment-friendly technologies in the field.
California proposed and passed a similar law in 2007, aiming to have PERC completely banned from the state by 2023. That law was pushed by the California Air Resource Board and referenced laws that protect the quality of air.
PERC is believed to have a heavy environmental impact on the air, as well as the ground and the water supply. It may pose adverse affects on the human liver and the nervous system and may cause cancer if someone is exposed to sufficient quantities over a period of time.
California has also placed limits on manufacturers and distributors. These businesses have to keep very strict sales records and report to the Air Resource Board frequently. In California, PERC is labeled as a TAC—a toxic air contaminant.
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