Comment Log Display

January 11, 2007

Dr. Sawyer and Board members



Dear Dr. Sawyer and Board members:

I am writing to urge the prompt phase out of the toxic chemical
perchloroethylene (perc) used in dry cleaning. I want to thank you
and the
Board for voting last May to phase out this carcinogen. Your
action will
help protect the cleaners, customers and our neighborhoods.

I am writing you with three requests that will strengthen your
current
perc phaseout proposal:

1. People should not be exposed to perchloroethylene. Instead of
the
15-year phaseout in your current proposal, speed up this process
to a
10-year phaseout.

2. One alternative to perc dry cleaning causes smog. This is why I
am also
asking you to phase out new systems that use hydrocarbon
solvents.

3. To provide immediate protection to those who need it most,
require perc
dry cleaners within 300 feet of residential zones, schools,
medical
facilities or other sensitive areas to be phased out by 2010.

Please continue to protect Californians from the health hazards
of
perchloroethylene by adopting these measures.

Thank you for taking my concerns into consideration, as you move
towards a
definite timetable for PERC phase out.

Sincerely,


Gary A. Patton
831-423-2984