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When thinking of sources of air pollution, most of us imagine external factors like factories, cars or power plants. Yet we often have sources of hazardous substances in our homes as well.
On our site we have already written, for example, about air fresheners or scented candles. Although these are dangerous items, they are not the main source of toxins. The culprit is something completely different that you probably don’t even suspect.
The biggest air polluters in our homes are actually fabric softeners, i.e. laundry softeners.
What’s the problem with laundry softener?
Fabric softeners are often depicted in advertisements as something very pleasant, fresh and clean.
Yet most of them contain a grim list of known toxins that can enter your body either through the skin by wearing “softened” clothes, or by inhalation during drying or storage in the wardrobe.
They can then begin to cause you a whole range of health problems and you may not even suspect what the cause is. Your children are especially exposed to danger.
Below follows a list of harmful substances that are often part of liquid fabric softeners.
Chloroform
This substance was used for anesthesia in the 19th century until the early 20th century, when its potential to cause heart arrhythmia was discovered.
Indeed, as a carcinogenic neurotoxin, it is also listed on the list of hazardous substances issued by the U.S. federal EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
Inhaling chloroform can lead to loss of consciousness, nausea, headaches, dizziness and drowsiness. It also has the potential to worsen existing heart, kidney or liver problems.
The effects of chloroform are intensified by exposure to heat.
A-Terpineol
This substance induces disorders of the central nervous system, which means problems associated with the brain and spinal cord such as Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epileptic seizures, stroke and sudden infant death syndrome.
Early symptoms of central nervous system disorders include aphasia (problems with expression), blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, headaches, hunger, memory loss, facial stiffness and pains in the throat and back.
A-Terpineol also irritates the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and bronchi. After inhalation it can cause respiratory depression, pneumonia or even fatal pulmonary edema.
Benzyl alcohol
It is a known irritant of the upper respiratory tract.
It can also cause central nervous system disorders such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and a dramatic drop in blood pressure.
Benzyl acetate
This substance is suspected of causing pancreatic cancer. Its vapors irritate the eyes and respiratory tract.
It can enter the body not only by inhalation but also by absorption through the skin.
Pentane
It is another ingredient of fabric softener that is on the list of hazardous chemicals of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Like the previously mentioned substances, it is harmful to the body when inhaled.
Ethyl acetate
It is a substance that irritates the eyes and respiratory tract.
It can also cause severe headaches and loss of consciousness. It further damages the liver and kidneys.
Camphor
As with the previous chemicals, camphor is included in the EPA’s list of hazardous substances.
It is easily absorbed through the skin, and it irritates the eyes, nose and throat. It can also cause nausea, confusion, dizziness, muscle twitching and convulsions.
Linalool
Although it is a naturally occurring substance, for example in flowers, and has a pleasant scent, in higher concentrations it can cause problems of the central nervous system.
In animal tests to which they were exposed, it caused death.
Phthalates
They are used to prolong the duration of a fragrance.
In humans, however, they cause hormonal disorders, breast cancer and reproductive organ problems.
Limonene
It is a chemical with the scent of oranges and citrus fruits.
However, it is also known as a carcinogen and, in addition, causes irritation of the eyes and skin.
What do fabric softener manufacturers say about this?
Manufacturers of these products are fully aware of the mentioned risks, which is why on the packaging of many softeners you will find a warning that they should not be used on clothing for sleeping for small children.
What is striking and ironic is that many of these manufacturers depict large pictures of children with toys on the packaging right next to the small-print warnings.
The solution to this problem is either not to use fabric softeners at all, or to make your own. Fortunately, it’s easier than you might think.
How to make your own fabric softener
The basis of homemade fabric softener is vinegar. It is a very cheap and non-toxic substance.
It naturally removes soap residue and also helps reduce static electricity buildup in textiles.
Vinegar contains small amounts of sodium and potassium, which soften hard water.
Ingredients
To make homemade fabric softener you need:
- 0.5 dl of vinegar
- 1.5 dl of water
- a few drops of essential oil for fragrance
Preparation
Mix the water and vinegar in the given ratio (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water).
Then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, stir again and your homemade fabric softener is ready!
Pour this softener into the washing machine during the final rinse cycle.
