Some of you may remember the green dry cleaner that used to be on Union Street opposite the Coop. Unfortunately that store left--leaving us without a healthful alternative to regular dry cleaners. Most dry cleaning is done with solvents that are harmful to our health and the environment. Perchloroethylene, or perc, has the potential to cause kidney and liver damage, developmental problems in the unborn and possibly cancer. Green cleaners, such as the new Green Apple Cleaner at 78 Seventh Avenue in Park Slope, uses CO2 to clean clothing.If you do use a regular dry cleaner (with perc), you can minimize potential health problems by removing the plastic wrap at the store and letting your clothes air out on the way home. Avoid storing freshly dry cleaned clothes in a baby or child's room, as they are more susceptible to the effects of perc and other toxins.
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