What’s Happening

This Sunday, November 2, The Washington Post will publish a story discussing health risks allegedly linked to dry-cleaning solvents. The reporter contacted the National Cleaners Association for comment, and we provided a detailed response to clarify the facts and defend the integrity of professional garment care.

Our Response

Our statement makes clear that these reports misrepresent both the science and the current state of dry-cleaning operations.

• Modern dry cleaning is safe and closed-loop.
  Today’s systems are sealed, self-contained machines that reclaim and recycle solvent within allowable federal and state thresholds, resulting in no meaningful release to air, water, groundwater, or clothing.

• The science doesn’t prove causation.
  The study being cited is cross-sectional, meaning it measures exposure and outcomes at one point in time and cannot prove cause or identify modern dry-cleaning systems as the source.

• The EPA already finalized its phase-out plan.
  On December 19, 2024, the EPA finalized its national PCE phase-out rule, establishing a 10-year transition period to responsibly move away from PCE-based equipment while maintaining full regulatory compliance.

• The industry is leading change.
  Through the SmartCare Era Initiative, the National Cleaners Association is helping members adopt next-generation cleaning technologies — including hydrocarbon, silicone-based, and wet-cleaning systems — that meet modern environmental and safety standards.

Why It Matters

Our statement is backed by EPA, OSHA, and NIOSH documentation confirming that closed-loop systems meet all emission and exposure limits. Consumers and employees are fully protected under today’s technology and regulation.

The Bottom Line

There is no evidence that professionally cleaned garments pose any health risk to consumers. The National Cleaners Association continues to lead the industry in compliance, safety, and modernization — ensuring the future of garment care is both clean and sustainable.

If you would like us to send you our full response send me an email: 

info@nca-i.com and we will send it to you.