For dry cleaning, in the place of tetrachloroethane, liquefied carbon dioxide with suitable detergent is an alternative solvent.What type of harm to the environment will be prevented bystopping use of tetrachloroethane? Will use of liquefied carbon dioxide with detergent be completely safe from the point of view of pollution? Explain.

Question

For dry cleaning, in the place of tetrachloroethane, liquefied carbon dioxide with suitable detergent is an alternative solvent.What type of harm to the environment will be prevented bystopping use of tetrachloroethane? Will use of liquefied carbon dioxide with detergent be completely safe from the point of view of pollution? Explain.

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Tetrachloroethylene is widely used for dry-cleaning fabrics and metal degreasing operations. Acute or short term high-level inhalation exposure of humans to tetrachloroethylene effects include irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, kidney dysfunction, and neurological effects such as reversible mood and behavioral changes, impairment of coordination, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, and unconsciousness.

While the primary effects of chronic (long term) inhalation exposure involve neurological, including impaired cognitive and motor neurobehavioral performance. Tetrachloroethylene exposure may also cause adverse effects in the kidney, liver, immune system, and on development and reproduction.

Use of liquefied Carbon dioxide along with detergent will not be completely safe because most of the detergents are non-biodegradable and they cause water pollution. Moreover, liquefied
carbon dioxidewill ultimately enter into the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect. These days hydrogen peroxide is used for bleaching clothes in laundries for better quality and saves water.