Denise - posted on 02/28/2012 ( 1 mom has responded )
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The Truth about Laundry Detergents: What you don't know may be killing you.
Laundry Detergents are toxic there is no doubt about that.
Consider what some people choose to wear on their clothes and breathe on their pillow cases. Not to mention the fact that they are contributing to the pollution of our lakes and streams and destroying their own septic systems and don’t even realize what they are doing.
Think about what is happening when you lay your face down on your pillowcase for one third of your life? Especially in the winter when it is cold and your warm breath breaks down the following
chemicals that are found in laundry detergents:
Phosphates
Phosphorus: a fertilizer that causes algae to grow and depletes oxygen out of the water.
Chlorine Bleach
Liquid household chlorine bleaches contain approximately 5% sodium hypochlorite solution. Chlorine bleach liquid and vapors are irritating to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Dermatitis may result from direct skin contact. Ingestion can cause esophageal injury, stomach irritation, and prolonged nausea
and vomiting.
Lye
Also known as caustic soda, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and caustic potash, is commonly used in drain cleaner, oven cleaner, and in some non-phosphate detergents. Lye is extremely caustic. Its chemical action eats away
materials (including skin tissue). Contact with skin or mucous membranes causes burns and frequently deep ulcerations with scarring. Mists, vapors, and dust can cause small burns. Eye contact causes severe damage, including blindness.
Ammonia
A colorless gas or liquid. Vapors and liquids can be corrosive causing severe burns and irritation to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Vapors, even in low concentrations, can cause severe eye, lung, and skin irritation. Chronic irritation may occur if ammonia is used over long periods of time.
Phenols
Also known as carbolic acid, is flammable, corrosive, and very toxic.
Phenolic compounds have a distinct odor and are used in disinfectants, deodorizers, paints, and as anesthetic for skin.
NTA’s
An assortment of toxic chemicals with un-pronounceable names like
Nitrilotriacetic Acid (NTA). The Merck Index refers to NTA as a “substance we may reasonably anticipate to be a carcinogen (cancer causing substance.) Amazingly it is still allowed in our laundry compounds.
When we consider the residue of caustic detergents, oily-film fabric softeners, and chemical perfumes
and dyes, we need to ask ourselves if our clothes are really clean? What are we wearing next to our skin and breathing on our pillowcases?
Phosphates - Why are they used in laundry detergents? The reason is because they soften the water and enhance performance. Phosphates and other caustic ingredients contributed to the virtual death of Lake Erie in the 1970’s. These ingredients also contributed to the ruining of Cascade Reservoir in Idaho. In the future the government will be requiring that all manufacturers must remove phosphates from their products.
I have to ask the question….why hasn’t the
manufacturers taken the responsibility to remove the phosphates and other caustic ingredients without the government forcing them to do it?
What do you think? It's because of the almighty dollar. We are still buying it so they don't have to take the responsibility. They are still making money. When we stop buying these toxic products, they will be forced to change the ingredients and be more responsible.
I don't buy grocery store brands anymore. I CHOOSE to buy from a company that is environmentally responsible without the government telling them to be.
What other products do you use in your home that are toxic and making you sick?
http://www.ddoxilly.toxinchecklist.com
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