The use of CO2 as a solvent for Dry Cleaning complies with three green principles: CO2 maximizes atom economy since it is a recycled byproduct of other industries and therefore no new CO2 is produced, nor contributing to global warming. CO2 is non-flammable and non-toxic to humans and the environment, eliminating the cost required for disposal. CO2 is energy efficient as it does not require heat for drying the garments. In 2006 a rule from the EPA prohibited the use of PERC in dry cleaners located in residential buildings, and certain States such as California have adapted rules to eliminate the use of PERC by Abstract Results Discussion Method Green Dry Cleaning Karen Diaz Colon, University of New Hampshire References Dos Santos, Alissa (2006). Green “Dry” Cleaning. Retrieved November 7, 2015 from Greenapplecleaners(2008). Non-toxix dry cleaning.Retrieved on 11/18/15 from International Chemical Safety Card (2000). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 10/28/15 from KEARSEY (11/10/15). Cameo Cleaners. Phone interview Reducing Workers exposure to Perchloroethylen(PERC) In Dry Cleaning (2005). United States Department of Labor. Retrieved on 10/20/15 from Report of Carcinogens(n.d). National Toxicology Program. Department of Health and Human Services. Thirteenth Edition. Retrieved on Nov 4th, 2015 from Background 85 percent of the estimated 35,000 dry cleaners in the United States use PERC The primary route of exposure to perc is inhalation of vapors and ingestion of contaminated water. Short term exposures to PERC: skin, eyes and respiratory track irritation. Central nervous system damage, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of coordination, mild memory low, and visual problem upon exposure. Long term exposure to PERC: liver, kidney damage, skin dermatitis and cancer. the concentration of PERC may be 2 to 30 times higher in homes with PERC dry cleaned clothing in closet than homes without PERC. CO2 and TETRACHLOROETHYLENE also referred to as Perchloroethylen (PERC) are two currently used dry cleaning solvents. PERC is a toxic non polar solvent used to dissolve hydrophobic oil and stains. A carcinogen, to humans. CO2 is a non toxic natural gas that is pressurized to a liquid and used as a solvent in specialized machines to dissolve dirt and oils in the Dry Cleaning industry. Green Dry Cleaning is an innovative organic solvent because it has no human and environmental health risk, particularly in comparison to the traditional solvent PERC. A phone interview was conducted with Cameo Dry Cleaners in New York to learn about the process and benefits of Green Dry Cleaning. As the population become more aware of green options I believe more dry cleaners will convert to using CO2 in place of PERC Picture retrieved from green apple cleaners with permission from the founder David Kistner.