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New alarms raised about dry-cleaning solvent in water

Quick ReadAdvocates fear a popular dry-cleaning solvent could lead to cancer-causing chemicals in LI's drinking water.

Owner Larry Bleck still uses perc at Harbor

Photo credit: Newsday / Karen Wiles Stabile | Owner Larry Bleck still uses perc at Harbor French Cleaners in Baldwin Harbor, but he’s testing this device that makers claim can break down the traditional solvent. (Apr. 28, 2010)

Beloved by dry cleaners for its near-magical ability to lift stains, the solvent tetrachloroethylene has few fans among environmental advocates or local water suppliers, who have spent millions to remove it from drinking water on Long Island.

Recently, the Suffolk County Water Authority sued Dow Chemical, seeking damages for contamination of drinking water by the chemical, which is also known...

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