Toxic Laundry Detergents: Hidden Chemical Dangers

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Toxic Laundry Detergents: Hidden Chemical Dangers

Hidden Dangers in Laundry Detergents

The average person does not think twice about the ingredients in their laundry detergent. However, many commercial laundry detergents contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact our health and the environment.

Toxic Ingredients to Watch Out For

  • Phthalates: Found in synthetic fragrances, phthalates can disrupt endocrine function and cause reproductive problems. Opt for fragrance-free detergents or those scented with natural essential oils.
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These surfactants can cause skin and eye irritation and may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a possible carcinogen. Choose plant-based surfactants instead.
  • 1,4-Dioxane: A byproduct of the manufacturing process, 1,4-dioxane is a probable human carcinogen that can cause skin irritation. Look for detergents that are “1,4-dioxane-free” or certified by a reliable third-party organization.
  • Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs): These surfactants can disrupt hormone function and are toxic to aquatic life. Opt for “NPE-free” detergents to protect your health and the environment.
  • Optical Brighteners: These chemicals make fabrics appear brighter and whiter but can cause skin irritation and are not biodegradable, threatening aquatic environments. Avoid detergents that list “optical brighteners” on their label.
  • Chlorine Bleach: Chlorine bleach can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation, and produces harmful byproducts when released into the environment. Use oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide-based alternatives instead.
  • Artificial Fragrances: These can contain numerous chemicals, allergens, hormone disruptors, or even carcinogens. Choose unscented products or those scented with natural essential oils.
  • Ammonium Quaternary Sanitizers (Quats): Quats are used for their antimicrobial properties but can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues. Opt for detergents that do not contain quaternary ammonium compounds.
  • Formaldehyde: This known carcinogen can cause skin and respiratory irritation. Look for formaldehyde-free products to reduce exposure.
  • Phosphates: Phosphates can cause environmental damage by contributing to water pollution and algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in water bodies and harm aquatic life. Choose phosphate-free detergents to help protect water ecosystems.

A Simple Recipe for Homemade Laundry Soap

Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to avoid these harmful chemicals and save money. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 bar of Castile soap (or any natural, fragrance-free soap)
  • 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
  • 1 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
  • 1 cup borax (sodium borate)

Instructions:

1. Grate the soap bar using a cheese grater.
2. Mix the grated soap, washing soda, baking soda, and borax until well combined.
3. Store the mixture in an airtight container.

To Use:

  • Add 2-3 tablespoons of homemade laundry soap to your washing machine for each load of laundry.

This homemade laundry soap is free from harmful chemicals and gentle on both your clothes and the environment. Plus, it’s easy and cost-effective to make!

References:

1. Wang, Yufei, and Haifeng Qian. “Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health.” Healthcare, vol. 9, no. 5, May 2021.
2. Bondi, Cara AM, et al. “Human and Environmental Toxicity of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Evidence for Safe Use in Household Cleaning Products.” Environmental Health Insights, vol. 9, Nov. 2015, pp. 27–32.
3. PubChem. Edetic Acid.
4. Badmus, Suaibu O., et al. “Environmental Risks and Toxicity of Surfactants: Overview of Analysis, Assessment, and Remediation Techniques.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, vol. 28, no. 44, 2021, pp. 62085–104.
5. Ask Dr. Pete: What Are Optical Brighteners and Why Should We Care?” Dirty Labs.
6. Benzoni, Thomas, and Jason D. Hatcher. “Bleach Toxicity.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 2024.
7. Rádis-Baptista, Gandhi. “Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks?” Journal of Xenobiotics, vol. 13, no. 1, Mar. 2023, pp. 121–31.
8. Arnold, William A., et al. “Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern.” Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 57, no. 20, May 2023, pp. 7645–65.
9. PubChem. Formaldehyde.

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