Issues > March/April 2007 (#119) > Cleaner and Greener Laundry

Cleaner and Greener Laundry

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Linear alkylate sulfonate (LAS), another surfactant used in laundry powders and liquids, causes contact dermatitis, respiratory irritation and, if ingested, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is also corrosive to the eyes. In the environment, LAS substance decomposes on heating, producing toxic and corrosive fumes such as sulfur oxides.

Phosphates are water-softening mineral additives that were once widely used in laundry detergents and are sometimes referred to as builders, ingredients that enhance the performance of surfactants. Sodium tripolyphosphate, one of the more common phosphates used, can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested, and because it is corrosive, it can cause severe skin irritation. Because of their damaging environmental impact (see below), many states have banned the use of phosphates in laundry detergents; as a result most mainstream detergent manufacturers have eliminated them. However, on products that do use them, the percentage used should be disclosed on labels.

The fragrances in detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets may provoke skin irritation, allergic reactions and asthma, and they can contain phthalates, chemicals that have been linked to cancer and reproductive system harm in lab tests. Unless they are labeled otherwise, laundry detergents contain synthetic fragrances. Fragrances can cling to fabrics for weeks after washing and may cause stuffy nose, sneezing, headache and other allergic symptoms in sensitive individuals, especially on clothing or bedding that's in close proximity to nose and mouth for extended periods of time.

Other ingredients turn dangerous when combined: Diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA), which are found in liquid detergents and used to cut through oils, can react with nitrites (an often-undisclosed preservative) to form carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Bleaching Agents

Chlorine bleach, otherwise known as sodium hypochlorite, is highly caustic and may cause skin irritation and redness. Its fumes can irritate eyes, nose and airways, and it can be fatal if swallowed. According to the EPA, 26,338 children were exposed to or poisoned by household chlorine bleach in 2002. Chlorine also poses a hazard because it can react with other cleaners to form toxic gases. If mixed with cleaners containing ammonia, chlorinated cleaning products form lung-damaging chloramine gases. Chlorine mixed with acids, such as those in some toilet bowl cleaners, can form toxic chlorine gas, which damages airways.

When released to waterways, chlorine bleach can create organochlorines that can contaminate drinking water. Organochlorines, which are suspected carcinogens as well as reproductive, neurological and immune-system toxins, have also been known to cause developmental disorders.

Another common bleach used in detergents is sodium perborate, which is a skin, eye and respiratory irritant. Ingestion of products containing sodium perborate can result in vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

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