Non-toxic dry cleaners, Bridgestone uses the GreenEarth® dry cleaning solution which is made from silicone, the same base ingredient used in many personal care products. Here is what the Greener Cleaners Council has to say about silicone:
“…Developed through the work in beta test sites at a select group of pioneering drycleaners, silicone is one of the newer cleaning technologies in the drycleaning industry, positioned as an environmentally friendly alternative to other drycleaning solvents. The basic component, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, has been used for many years in the cosmetic and personal products industries, and has successfully undergone extensive study for human health effects. Understandably, as a relative newcomer (10+ years) to the drycleaning industry, the effects of overexposure listed on the MSDS shows limited or no data available.
Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane is the principal component identified on the product’s MSDS sheet, which reports it as hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200. It needs to be noted that recommended first aid measures in the MSDS state that no action is required when the fluid comes into contact with skin or is inhaled or ingested. This differs significantly from the first aid measures (wash, flush, consult a physician) recommended for perc, hydrocarbon, n-propyl bromide and most other solvents.
Like hydrocarbon solvents it is classified as combustible and “the thermal breakdown of this product during fire or very high heat conditions may evolve the following hazardous decomposition products: Carbon oxides and traces of incompletely burned carbon compounds. Silicon dioxide. Formaldehyde.” (MSDS)
It also falls under the same hazardous waste classification as hydrocarbons – regulated in so far as its ignitability is concerned. It is not considered to be either an ozone precursor or a contributor to global warming. However, there is some interest and study underway in Canada concerning the possibility of it being a bio-accumulator.
The fact that its use in the drycleaning industry is largely unregulated should not preclude drycleaners from handling it on a precautionary basis and disposing of contact water and other waste through a licensed hazardous waste disposal company. A practice recommended by the Council.”
Call the non-toxic dry cleaners at Bridgestone if you want clothes that smell clean, not dry cleaned. To schedule a free dry cleaning pickup, contact Bridgestone today.
