Did you know there are more that 7 dangerous chemicals lurking in your laundry detergent? During WWI many man made chemicals were introduced due to shortages of soap. Most are still used today because they are cost effective but their use may have long-term affects on our delicate systems.
Chief among these concerns is a chemical known as 1,4-dioxane. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, exposure to this compound can cause eye and nose irritation, kidney problems, and possible long-term lung damage.
The EPA on 1,4-Dioxane
“1,4-Dioxane is used as a solvent. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to high levels of 1,4-dioxane has caused vertigo, drowsiness, headache, anorexia, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs in humans…Damage to the liver and kidneys has been observed in rats chronically (long-term) exposed in their drinking water… Tumors have been observed in orally exposed animals. EPA has classified 1,4-dioxane as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.”
“1,4-Dioxane is used as a solvent. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to high levels of 1,4-dioxane has caused vertigo, drowsiness, headache, anorexia, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs in humans…Damage to the liver and kidneys has been observed in rats chronically (long-term) exposed in their drinking water… Tumors have been observed in orally exposed animals. EPA has classified 1,4-dioxane as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.”
The stronger the detergent, the harsher the ingredients tend to be. This can create problems for people with sensitive skin or chemical sensitivity. Allergies to products containing harsh chemical ingredients are on the rise, and more and more people are turning to gentler, natural alternatives.
On top of that, most laundry detergents are terrible for our environment, and just simply add more chemicals to our rivers, streams, and groundwater supplies, which also can affect your health when that water is used for public water supplies.
Other ingredients found in laundry detergent:
Phthalates
Propylene Glycol
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Surfactants
the byproduct 1,4 Dioxane
Propylene Glycol
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Surfactants
the byproduct 1,4 Dioxane
Just take 2 of the ingredients listed, both the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the EPA consider 1,4 Dioxane to be a probable human carcinogen. Also, phthalates are a problem chemical highlighted by the President’s Cancer Panel in their 2010 report.
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