Chemicals Lurking In Your "Clean" Laundry

Studies Show Carcinogens Are in Laundry Detergent

The dangers of laundry detergents are real and that is because most manufacturers are not required to reveal every ingredient that is used in their products. The ingredients that they do list are usually vague. Chemicals are hidden behind complex words or secret numbers. This makes it very difficult to keep track of what toxins and chemicals you are using. Most recently, New York state banned all laundry detergents that contain more than two parts per million (PPM) of a probable human carcinogen. The chemical byproduct, 1,4-Dioxane, is present in many popular laundry detergents. In recent tests, Arm & Hammer Clean Burst, Tide Original, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear, and Gain Original + Aroma Boost all contained more than 3 PPM of 1,4-Dioxane, over the NY State limit.

Here’s a look at some studies that have researched the adverse effects of laundry detergent;

The University of Washington published a paper in the Journal Environmental Impact Assessment Review that discussed the volatile organic compounds that were found in multiple laundry detergents. These chemicals were not only found in laundry detergent but also in cleaning products, personal care products, and air fresheners. Unlisted toxins were found throughout all the products. The study also found that there were far worse effects on products with a fragrance than fragrance-free products.

Another study published in Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health2 conducted a study on three types of laundry cycles. Once without detergent, once with liquid detergent, and once with scented detergent and dryer sheets. They then studied the residual left in the clothing after the washes. They found over 25 volatile organic compounds including carcinogens acetaldehyde and benzene. These harmful carcinogens in laundry detergent can cause different types of cancer and are especially harmful to children and those who are pregnant.

6 Ways Carcinogens in Laundry Detergent Affect the Body

Here are 6 ways in which Laundry Detergent can adversely affect your body:

1. Skin Health

Our skin is like a sponge that absorbs everything that it comes in contact with. So when we use laundry detergents with harmful chemicals in them, our skin lets those chemicals sink in. This can cause skin dryness, redness or cause a skin disease like folliculitis or eczema. If left untreated, these skin irritations can lead to skin cancer.

2. Sexual Health

A common ingredient in laundry detergent is Phthalates. This chemical is known to cause deformities in the reproductive system. Studies have shown that this chemical affects mainly men by reducing their sperm count and creating deformities in the testicles. Studies have also shown that carcinogens in laundry detergent can harm an unborn child. A fetus absorbs whatever the mother is exposed to, so it is very important for a pregnant woman to stay away from harmful detergents and just use natural ingredients.

3. Headaches

Laundry detergents that have a fragrance are far worse than fragrance-free detergents. They usually have more toxins than other products. So when we breathe in these chemicals, whether it is the smell on our clothes or the smell directly from the product, this can cause headaches. Too much of this smell can also trigger migraines.

4. Hormones

Many detergents have the chemical Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, also known as NPE. NPE is actually a toxin that imitates the estrogen hormone. The hormones in our body are very important to maintaining overall health. They maintain reproductive health, emotions, and weight control. So when hormones are disturbed by toxins this can have a detrimental effect on our overall health.

5. Respiratory Health

The Environmental Working Group has made it clear that fragrances are one of the top five allergy triggers. Fragrances can cause asthma attacks and swelling. The chemical phthalates are the main cause for these triggers and it has also been linked to diabetes, obesity, and poor reproductive health.

6. Disease

It might be hard to hear but yes, the carcinogens in laundry detergent have been linked to cancer as well as other life threatening diseases. Did you know that in America the rate of people being affected by some form of cancer has increased to 1 in 3? It used to be 1 in 100! However, with so many chemical and toxins everywhere we turn, the rate has drastically increased. To reduce your chances of developing a lifelong disease, reduce the amount of chemicals and toxins to which you are exposed.

Toxic Chemicals You Should Look Out For

There are 8 toxic chemicals that you should watch out for when choosing a laundry detergent:

1. Fragrance

The word fragrance actually indicates hundreds of chemicals combined to make ‘lavender’ or ‘orange’ smell. These chemicals do not aid in cleaning but only in the smell of your washing. Don’t be fooled by the smell, the smell of your clothes does not determine how clean they are. Fragrances can cause allergies and other breathing problems. So instead stick to essential oils in your laundry.

2. Surfactants

One of the cleaning agents that you will see in most laundry detergents you will find on the shelf is petroleum distillate or naphtha. This chemical comes from synthetic crude oil and it has been linked to damage of the mucous membranes, lungs and has shown to cause inflammation, asthma, and cancer.

3. Phenol

Phenol is similar to naphtha except even more harmful to the body. Some people are extremely allergic to the substance and when exposed to it, it can cause death. This substance spreads through the skin and damages blood vessels, organs, and the nervous system.

4. Bleach

Bleach or sodium hypochlorite has extremely toxic properties. Many people have died from being exposed to bleach in the house. Usually, bleach is handled with gloves and a mask, but people use it regularly without any protection for household cleaning tasks. Bleach is corrosive and it can harm the skin, eyes, and esophagus. If swallowed, bleach will cause life long damage. Bleach is a carcinogen within laundry detergent and has been linked to throat and breast cancer.

5. Dioxane

Dioxane is a cheap chemical that softens fabric. Manufacturers are not required to list these ingredients but it is a known carcinogen in laundry detergent. This chemical is very toxic and it is slowly contaminating public water.

6. Phosphates

Phosphate is the chemical that breaks down dirt and grime. It enhances the cleaning process. They work great for cleaning but they also continue working once flushed into the water system. An increased level of phosphate can cause rivers and lakes to turn toxic and kill a lot of plant and animal life.

7. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

EDTA is similar to phosphates in that it is mainly toxic when flushed into water systems. It damages animal DNA and can lead to mass fish deaths. It does not break down easily and can, therefore, stay active for a very long time.

8. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPE)

Nonylphenol Ethoxylate is actually a banned substance in Europe and Canada but it can still be found in much of the United States. NPE has many adverse effects including hormone damage, hindered cell growth, and increased risk of cancer.

Buy The Safest You Can!

We don’t have to subject ourselves and our families to all these chemicals for the sake of clean clothes. Instead, look for safer options out there. The Environmental Working Group has a great laundry guide where you can find those products that scored the lowest hazard rating.