Bates Troy Is Noisy

a community campaign for environmental justice

Bates Troy's Neurotoxin

Bates Troy likes to say that they are a clean, green neighbor. They claim that the chemicals they use to clean clothing are safe. However, residents have noticed very strong odors from Bates Troy's dry-cleaning plant and have rightly wondered how safe are those smells.

The fact is that Bates Troy uses a chemical called DF-2000 to clean their hospital linens. DF-2000 is a petrochemical produced by ExxonMobil. It is not good for the environment.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the chemical Bates Troy uses is a known neurotoxin that may also cause skin and eye irratation in workers. Furthermore, it has the potential to contribute to smog and global warming. (source)

The highly respected Union of Concerned Scientists has this to say about DF-2000:

"Not all cleaning methods advertised as 'green' are as environmentally benign as they may seem. For example, a solvent called DF-2000 being touted as an 'organic' dry cleaning fluid is actually a petroleum product manufactured by ExxonMobil. It is indeed organic in the same way gasoline and perc are organic: it contains a chain of carbon atoms. But the EPA lists DF-2000 as a neurotoxin and skin and eye irritant for workers, and its use can contribute to smog and global warming." (source)

Christopher Wanjek, the Bad Medicine Columnist at LiveScience.com agrees with the Union of Concerned Scientists. Mr. Wanjek writes:

"While DF-2000 is likely at least marginally better than perc in terms of health and environment, it is not green. Marketing DF-2000 as organicÑa scheme apparently devised by dry-cleaning associations, not Exxon-MobileÑis shameless.

"Much farther up the green ladder are dry-cleaning techniques using carbon dioxide and, of all things, water. Alas, the processes involving them cost more money.

"Nearly all garments labeled "dry clean only" can be cleaned with water through a process called wet-cleaning. This takes time and skill on the part of the professional, hence the higher price. The carbon dioxide method involves liquid CO2 under high pressure. Here, the machines are expensive and often require licensing fees." (source)

Think Twice

We urge you to think twice before giving your clothes to Bates Troy or Tuxedo Junction. Boycott Bates Troy for the health of your community.

90 second background summary on the Bates Troy issue (click here if video doesn't appear):

Bates Troy attempts bribery to stop this campaign (click here if video doesn't appear):

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