Toxic cleaning.

The California Air Resources Board next month will take up new rules to reduce emissions of perchloroethylene from dry cleaners.

Perchloroethylene, or "perc" as it's commonly known, is the chemical solvent most dry cleaners use, but it's also been designated as a cancer-causing, toxic air contaminant. Local air quality regulators have already enacted regulations to require most dry cleaners in the L.A. area to phase out the use of perc over the next decade.

The Air Board regulations, would require dry cleaners that open new facilities to install advanced ventilation systems and other pollution control devices or a machines using perc.

Existing dry cleaning facilities would have to install these ventilation systems and devices on their machines starting in 2008, with deadlines of 2009 for facilities within 100 feet of homes or schools and 2010 for facilities more than 100 feet from homes or schools.

The proposals are set to be considered at the Air Board's May 25 meeting.

Staff reporter Howard Fine can be reached by phone at [phone], ext. 227, or by email at [e-mail].