Are dry cleaning chemicals linked to cancer risk? Here’s what you need to know.
Key takeaways:
- PCE is a common dry cleaning solvent which you can be exposed through inhalation or direct skin contact (not through transfer from clothing).
- The risk of cancer or other serious health issues caused by PCE is very low for most people, as clothes only release small amounts of PCE after cleaning.
- Your risk as a consumer is relatively low, but you can reduce your risk further by skipping dry cleaning, hand-washing, steam cleaning, choosing liquid carbon dioxide dry cleaning or commercial wet cleaning.
Getting your clothes dry cleaned may be a normal part of your routine, but this process relies on industrial chemicals that—though highly effective at removing stains—bring up potential health risks.
As a consumer, it’s important to know how you may be impacted and to understand the evidence to make informed decisions about the clothes you wear and the services you may rely on.
What is dry cleaning and how does it work?
Dry cleaning is a professional cleaning method that uses liquid chemical solvents instead of water to remove dirt, oils and stains. Despite the name, the clothes do get wet—they’re just not washed fully in water, which helps prevent shrinking, stretching or damage to delicate fabrics.
The most common solvent used in dry cleaning is PCE (also called perc, tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene). People can be exposed to PCE through inhalation or direct skin contact (not through transfer from clothing), but the highest exposure happens to people whose work involves repeated handling of PCE—not to customers briefly picking up their clothes.
Industrial workers (in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, electronics and printing industries), people living with them and people residing near contaminated sites or near dry cleaners face the greatest risk.
People residing or working near contaminated sites could be exposed by drinking contaminated water, inhaling contaminated water vapor or inhaling indoor air that is contaminated due to vapor intrusion (this occurs when vapors come up through the subsurface into buildings, a process similar to the transport of radon).
Do dry cleaning chemicals increase my cancer risk?
For most people, the risk of cancer or other serious health issues caused by PCE is very low. Your clothes may release small amounts of PCE after cleaning, but the levels are far below occupational exposure and are usually brief and infrequent.
However, there have been multiple studies conducted linking dry cleaning workers or people exposed to PCE in the workplace to an increased risk of several types of cancer including bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies PCE as a likely human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). Also, a recent study published in 2025 revealed that exposure to PCE tripled the risk of liver fibrosis, or excessive scarring on the liver, which can lead to سرطان کبد.
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So, why do some dry cleaners still use PCE?
The EPA began investigating the risks associated with PCE and officially stated in 2020 that PCE presents unreasonable risk to human health.
In late 2024 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA banned the use of PCE for all consumer uses, and implemented a 10-year phase-out of PCE in dry cleaning services, with prohibitions on new machines and accelerated phase-outs for older equipment.
These changes are designed to protect workers and communities near dry cleaning facilities. The EPA also plans to implement an exposure control plan by December 2027.
Cleaning alternatives to keep you—and your clothes—safe
Even though your risk of inhaling or coming into direct contact with PCE as a consumer is relatively low, here are some options to reduce your risk further:
- Skip dry cleaning altogether and opt for clothes made from materials that can handle a regular wash cycle in a machine.
- Hand-washing will sometimes be sufficient on clothes even if they’re marked as “dry clean only.” Use cold water, add a gentle detergent and wash delicately in a clean sick, tub or basin.
- Steam cleaning can remove odor, bacteria and even small stains without submerging your clothing fully in water.
- Liquid carbon dioxide dry cleaning is an eco-friendly, non-toxic and non-flammable cleaning method that uses pressurized liquid as a solvent rather than harsh chemicals.
- Commercial wet cleaning uses biodegradable detergents and water to clean delicate fabrics without the industrial solvents used in dry cleaning. Most dry cleaners offer wet cleaning services if you request it.
Ultimately, even if your risk of exposure to dry cleaning chemicals is low, staying informed helps you make decisions that can support your health, your family and your home.