PFAS IN DRY CLEANING
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ARE PFAS THE NEXT CHEMICALS TO BE REGULATED IN THE DRY CLEANING INDUSTRY?
CAUTION: PFAS MAY COME OUT IN THE WASH
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their water, heat, and grease-resistant properties—characteristics that offer plenty of benefits in the apparel industry. In dry cleaning, PFAS-based chemicals can also be used as solvents or stain-repellent treatments to enhance fabric cleaning and protect textiles from future stains or water damage.
Often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, the use of PFAS in dry cleaning has raised environmental and health concerns, as these chemicals have been shown to pose risks to human health and the environment. Dry cleaners are increasingly under scrutiny for their use of these chemical solvents and their potential to be released into the environment. Traditional laundering of clothes treated with PFAS compounds may also result in the presence of PFAS in wastewater discharge.
PFAS PRECURSORS REQUIRE SPECIAL ATTENTION
Most PFAS in use today belong to a class of compounds called PFAS precursors. These PFAS should not be referred to as “forever chemicals” as they do degrade in many circumstances into “terminal PFAS” that are even more toxic. While most test methods will not detect PFAS precursors, EPA 1621 can be used when assessing solvents, media, and various waste streams for this special class of compounds. (See test methods below for more details.)
FLORIDA STUDY FINDS DRY CLEANERS CONTRIBUTE TO PFAS GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
As part of its Drycleaning Solvent Cleanup Program, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection conducted an 18-month pilot study to investigate PFAS in waste stream components related to dry cleaning facilities (raw and spent solvents, wastewater, etc.). The study concluded that, although urban background PFAS may contribute to detectable PFAS in groundwater, dry cleaning and/or wet laundry activities are also contributing to elevated PFAS concentrations found in the vicinity of the pilot project facilities.
WISCONSIN SUPREME COURT SAYS DRY CLEANERS CAN BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE
In a case involving a dry cleaner, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in June of 2025 that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources can require cleanup of materials not yet identified as hazardous under the state’s Spill Law.
THE FUTURE OF PFAS REGULATIONS IN DRY CLEANING
Dry cleaners have, so far, escaped the attention of federal and most state regulators. However, research like the Florida study on PFAS in dry cleaning waste streams may change that, so dry cleaners should pay close attention to regulatory discussions at the local level.
At the federal level, PFOA and PFOS have been declared hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund. CERCLA gives the U.S. EPA the authority to respond directly to PFAS contamination in the event of a release and order the cleanup of existing contamination. While dry cleaners aren’t necessarily a targeted industry, the agency has broad discretion to conduct an investigation if PFAS contamination is suspected.
MATRICES
Due to the nature of the business, assessing future liabilities may involve analyzing several different types of matrices.
Soil on active and former dry cleaning sites can become contaminated through solvent spills and wastewater discharge. The Florida pilot study found elevated levels of PFAS in the soil of 14 of the 15 sites tested.
PFAS can be leached into water used in wet-laundering processes and discharged to wastewater treatment facilities. These chemicals can also enter the wastewater stream when water is used to clean equipment or surfaces.
Although replacement compounds for PFAS that have been dropped from production are being studied, many solvents contain PFAS. In the event of a spill, PFAS can contaminate the local environment. PFAS can also be introduced when spent media (wipes, bottles, etc.) are discarded.
PFAS TEST METHODS FOR DRY CLEANING
The matrices that need to be tested in dry cleaning can vary widely, from solids to water with a highly variable degree of total solids. The Pace® PFAS team offers several methods to ensure the accuracy and reliability of your data.
A go-to method when compliance reporting is required, EPA 1633 quantifies more than 40 PFAS compounds across a wide range of solid and aqueous matrices. This method will be adopted into SW-846 for the RCRA program and is expected to be promulgated in 40 CFR Part 136 as an NPDES-approved method. Numerous state regulators are already specifying 1633 for their NPDES programs.
ASTM D8421 and D8535 are PFAS methods developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to provide a quick, easy, and robust method for PFAS analyses in aqueous and solid matrices, respectively. When compliance reporting isn’t required, these methods offer a faster, less expensive option than more procedurally challenging methods, such as EPA 1633.
EPA 1621 measures adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) in non-potable water, which often contains PFAS compounds not detectable by targeted methods such as EPA 1633. EPA 1621 is intended as a screening tool, making it a good option for dry cleaners looking to assess total potential PFAS levels. This method is also a commonly used tool to measure organic fluorine in destruction technology studies. (See PFAS Treatability Studies module below.)
PFAS precursors are a class of PFAS compounds that can degrade to terminal PFAS compounds under certain environmental conditions, including traditional wastewater treatment processes. TOP Assay oxidizes PFAS precursors, turning them into PFAS compounds that can then be measured by currently available methods.
PACE® PFAS TREATABILITY STUDIES
Pace® PFAS Treatability Studies help clients evaluate the effectiveness of technologies and strategies for PFAS removal, remediation, and destruction. As PFAS regulations move forward, dry cleaners may want to consider conducting pilot studies, especially on wastewater and soil, to determine which technologies are most effective in PFAS removal and/or destruction at their facilities.
REASONS TO CHOOSE PACE®
EXPERIENCED
Pace® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades.
CERTIFIED
We’re certified/accredited by NELAC, ISO, DOD, DOE, and in every state with a PFAS lab certification program.
RELIABLE
For emergencies, our Rapid Response Team can provide defensible results in as little as 24 hours.
COMMITTED
We are committed to helping our customers advance their important work through building strong relationships, delivering upon expectations, and providing exceptional customer service.
ADVANCED
We can test for PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices, including potable and non-potable waters, soils, and biota.
INNOVATIVE
We’re on the leading edge of science, working with EPA, DOD, ASTM, and others to develop new methods for analyzing PFAS.
