The Truth About Fabric Softeners

A Taylor & Francis Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health (www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/10937404.asp) laboratory study revealed that 5 common fabric softeners had airborne emissions of 6 toxic chemicals that are commonly associated with acute respiratory irritations and inflammation.

Fabric softeners are made to stay in cloth fabric for slow release over al long period of time. This slow release into the air affects those wearing the clothes and people around them. The softeners leave an oil coating on clothes; the oil builds up on fibers and reduces the absorbent properties of the fabric (repels water).

The oils leave a sticky residue on dryer components like heat sensors that result in burn out of the sensor and reduced heat production. The sticky residue also collects on the drum and moisture sensors. The residue oils that are transferred from the fabric softeners and dryer sheets to fabrics are flammable and take away the retardant properties of baby cloths.

The toxic dangers of fabric softeners and dryer sheets:

Many people will remember a famous TV ad where a woman races to her washing machine, fabric softener in hand, only to arrive just as the wash ends. This woman who “forgot to ad the fabric softener” was actually doing herself and her family a favor.

Although they may make your clothes feel soft and smell fresh, fabric softeners and dryer sheets are some of the most toxic products around. Chances are that the staggering 99.8% of us who use common commercial detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches and stain removers would think twice if they knew they contained chemicals that could cause cancer and brain damage.

Here is a list of just some of the chemicals found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets:

Benzyl acetate: linked to pancreatic cancer
Benzyl alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant
Ethanol: On the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Hazardous Waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders
Limonene: Known carcinogen
A-Terpineol: Can cause respiratory problems, including fatal edema, and central nervous system damage.
Ethyl Acetate: A narcotic on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste List
Chloroform: A neurotoxin, anesthetic and carcinogen
Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders
Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhales