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    Dryer Sheets – Yuck!!!

    By Mark Schauss | July 21, 2010

    Want to know what is in fabric softeners? Well according to Care2 here is a list of what is contained in a number of these household products:

  • Benzyl acetate: Linked to pancreatic cancer.
  • Benzyl Alcohol: Upper respiratory tract irritant.
  • Ethanol: On the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list and can cause central nervous system disorders.
  • Limonene: Suspected Gastrointestinal or Liver Toxicant, Immunotoxicant,
    Kidney Toxicant, Neurotoxicant,
    Respiratory Toxicant, and Skin or Sense Organ Toxicant. 
  • 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.
  • Camphor: Causes central nervous system disorders.
  • Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic.
  • Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders.
  • Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled

    • Another chemical that supposedly comes out of dryer sheets is toluene which is a dangerous neurotoxin. Thanks to Dr. Peck for that tip.

    Pretty scary eh? What purpose does a fabric softner really have? Dryer sheets actually accelerate the deterioration of clothes so why use them. Do you really need the smell and short-term softness? I hope not.

    Topics: Environment, Health, Petrochemicals, Solvents, Toxicity | 3 Comments »

    3 Responses to “Dryer Sheets – Yuck!!!”

    1. Hien Says:
      July 21st, 2010 at 9:16 am

      I do my washings with walnuts and to make it smell nice I add teatree oil. This washing nuts I have only seen in Germany so far and 3rd world countries.

    2. Dana Kuebler Says:
      July 21st, 2010 at 2:36 pm

      Hard to imagine how things like this get to market or stay on the market once the risks are identified. Crazy

    3. Carol Willis Says:
      September 9th, 2010 at 9:08 am

      The main practical purpose of dryer sheets is to eliminate static electricity. From what you say, better to shun fabrics that generate static electricity and stick to e.g. 100% cotton instead. Softness and scent are
      red herrings here and non-issues.

    Comments