While a few of the country's nearly 40,000 dry cleaners are opting for alternatives to the solvent perchloroethylene, most are not, according to a July 11, 2001 Greenpeace report. "Out of Fashion: Moving Beyond Toxic Cleaners in the Fabric Care Industry" [2] covers the potential toxicity of perc, the viability of other cleaning methods, and the status of state and federal regulations and investigations. Greenpeace: Lisa Finaldi [3], 919-828-5202.

EPA is evaluating the toxicity of perc, and is scheduled to accept public comment in January 2002. More info on perc and other solvents, including industry and federal agency contacts: TipSheet, May 30, 2001 [4].