1. The use of CO 2 as a solvent for Dry Cleaning complies with three green principles: CO 2 maximizes atom economy since it is a recycled byproduct of other industries and therefore no new CO 2 is produced, nor contributing to global warming. CO 2 is non-flammable and non-toxic to humans and the environment, eliminating the cost required for disposal. CO 2 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 2023. Abstract Results Discussion Method Green Dry Cleaning Karen Diaz Colon, ksn47@wildcats.unh.edu University of New Hampshire References Dos Santos, Alissa (2006). Green “Dry” Cleaning. Retrieved November 7, 2015 from http://www.greenamerica.org/livinggreen/drycleaning.cfmhttp://www.greenamerica.org/livinggreen/drycleaning.cfm EPA Regulates Dry Cleaners in First Air Toxic Rule Under New Clean Air Act ( 1993).United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved on 11/4/15 from http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-regulates-dry-cleaners-first-air- toxics-rule-under-new-clean-air-acthttp://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-regulates-dry-cleaners-first-air- toxics-rule-under-new-clean-air-act Green apple cleaners (2008). Non-toxic dry cleaning. Retrieved on 11/18/15 from http://www.greenapplecleaners.com/?non-toxichttp://www.greenapplecleaners.com/?non-toxic International Chemical Safety Card (2000). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 10/28/15 from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0076.htmlhttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0076.html Kistner, David (11/19/15). Green Apple Cleaners. Email interview. Rodriguez, Kirsys (11/10/15). Cameo Cleaners. Phone interview Reducing Workers exposure to Perchloroethylene(PERC) In Dry Cleaning (2005). United States Department of Labor. Retrieved on 10/20/15 from https://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/perc.html Report of Carcinogens (n.d). National Toxicology Program. Department of Health and Human Services. Thirteenth Edition. Retrieved on Nov 4th, 2015 from http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/tetrachloroethylene.pdfhttps://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/perc.htmlhttp://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/tetrachloroethylene.pdf 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 loss, and visual problem upon exposure. Long term exposure to PERC: liver and 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 closets than homes without PERC. CO 2 and TETRACHLOROETHYLENE, also referred to as Perchloroethylene (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. CO 2 is a non toxic natural gas which 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 public become more aware of green options, I believe more dry cleaners will convert to using CO 2 in place of PERC. Picture of CO 2 dry cleaning process, retrieved from green apple cleaners with permission from the founder David Kistner. Picture of CO 2 machine retrieved from green apple cleaners with permission from the founder David Kistner. Image retrieved from pixabay.com, no permission required.