I Thought It Was Just Laundry Soap!!
We spend a lot of time and money trying to make our laundry clean, smell fresh and come out of the dryer feeling soft and cuddly. However, we may be leaving a substance on our clothes that is worse than dirt.
Traditional commercial laundry products are loaded with chemicals that leave a residue on your clothes that can possibly be absorbed into your skin and into the air you breathe.
Many popular brands contain the following:
- Cleaning agents (anionic and nonionic surfactants)
- Buffering agents
- Stabilizers
- Brightening agents
- Fragrance
These chemicals may not sound so bad, but consider this –
Linear alkyl sodium sulfonates (LAS) - These synthetic surfactants are commonly listed as 'anionic surfactants on labels and are probably the most common surfactants in use. They biodegrade slowly in the environment, and during their production process, carcinogens and reproductive toxins such as benzene are released into the environment.
Petroleum Distillates (also known as Naphtha's) -They have been linked to cancer, lung inflammation and damage to mucus membranes
Phenols - These chemicals are rapidly absorbed, and according to The National Institute of Health, are toxic. People who are hypersensitive can experience serious side affects.
Phenol ethoxylate (now banned in Europe) slowly degrades in the environment into even more toxic compounds.
Optical Brighteners - These are synthetic chemicals that convert UV light wavelengths into visible light, which makes laundered clothes appear whiter (but are not really cleaner). These chemicals are toxic to fish and can cause bacterial mutations. In addition, they can cause allergic reactions when exposed to skin that is exposed to sunlight.
Phosphates - These chemicals are used to remove hard water minerals, enhance the efficiency of detergents and prevent dirt from settling back into clothes during the wash cycle. Many states have banned or restricted the use of phosphates because, when released into the air, they stimulate the growth of certain marine plants which contributes to unbalanced ecosystems.
Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) - This chemical is a precursor to chlorine which is responsible for more household poisonings than any other chemical due to its toxicity. Carcinogens and other toxic compounds are created when it reacts with organic materials in the environment. These may cause reproductive, endocrine, and immune system disorders.
EDTA (ethylene-diamino-tetra acetate) - These compounds are used as an alternative to phosphates to reduce mineral hardness in water, prevent bleaching agents from becoming active before they are put in water and as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA does not biodegrade readily and can re-dissolve toxic heavy metals in the environment, allowing them to re-enter the food chain.
Artificial fragrances - These are often made of petroleum and do not degrade in the environment. They may cause allergies and skin and eye irritation especially when worn next to the skin for long periods.
Some, all or none of the above may seem to affect you, however, baby's and the elderly have much more sensitive skin and their immune systems are not the same as an adult's.
With all of the fantastic alternatives to commercial laundry detergents today, why not use one that does not expose your family and your home to so many chemicals?
'All natural' laundry products are especially pleasant to use and are really no more expensive in the long run. It is certainly worth it to know that there is one less poisonous product in your home and one less toxin contaminating your environment.