Ever wonder what chemicals are used to get the grit out of 'dry clean only' clothing? Truth is, many dry cleaners in Toronto use an old school toxic substance called 'perc' to remove stains.

Perc is suspected to cause cancer, respiratory illness, and harm the reproductive system. Most at risk are workers & residents living near these shops, but perc can also off-gas from the clothes for days.

That's why perc (short for perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene) is listed on Toronto's Toxic 25 list. Now that dry cleaners report this chemical to Public Health we know that they use over 27 tonnes of perc every year! Click here to find out if a shop near you uses perc.

Also, please support our dream of developing a Toronto Green Dry Cleaner Guide so we can help you spot the difference!