Comment Log Display

Sarah Sharpe
2024 E Harvard
Fresno, CA 93703-1724


January 17, 2007

Dr. Sawyer and Board members



Dear Dr. Sawyer and Board members:

As a resident of Fresno, in the San Joaquin Valley, I am very
concerned
about the use of the toxic chemical perchloroethylene (perc) used
in dry
cleaning.  We don't have any alternatives in our area that I can
find. 
Many of our dry cleaners are located right next to daycares,
residences
and restaurants.  Knowing how dangerous this chemical is makes me
very
worried about the locations of our dry cleaners.

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.

Sincerely,


Sarah Sharpe