Written by Brianna Funakoshi, a World Changer Co. intern based in Aiea, Hawai'i.
Feeling lost in the world of laundry detergent? Don't Worry - We've been there too!
Let's investigate the magic of laundry detergent together. We'll look at our detergent's ingredients to help you make the best decision for your overall health needs. We hardly ever stop to think about the possible risks connected to the seemingly innocuous products we use on a daily basis in our fast-paced, convenience-driven society. Due to its possible toxicity and detrimental effects on both the environment and human health, laundry detergent—a common household item—has attracted increased attention.
We are constantly bombarded with options on a daily basis. Before anything else, you should be aware of the issues with your laundry detergent. Only then will you be motivated to read this blog post all the way through and not waste your hard-earned money on recognizable brands that promise nothing.
Ah, welcome back! Ready to dive in??
When we talk about "toxic" household products, we mean substances that, when in contact with them, can injure living things. Depending on the type and quantity of the toxic components involved, these negative effects can range from minor irritations to serious health problems..
Toxic ingredients in laundry detergents can include artificial fragrances, colors, surfactants, preservatives, and other substances that could be harmful to the environment and human health.
Alright, so is laundry detergent actually toxic? The specific ingredients of the laundry detergent in question determine how to respond to this question. A mixture of chemicals found in most laundry detergents works well to remove stains and smells, but some of the ingredients may be harmful. Not to mention, some of these ingredients are added for no benefit to us. For example, water as a filler or preservatives for extremely long shelf life.
When these chemicals get into waterways, they can cause respiratory problems, skin irritations, and pollution of the environment. Non-biodegradable substances, such artificial fragrances and optical brighteners, can build up in soil and water, and unfortunately make their way into our drinking water supplies and having a long-term negative impact on human health. Examples of these chemicals are bleach, phosphates, and optical brighteners. Furthermore, a lot of detergents contain fragrances that might contain dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can aggravate sensitive people's allergies and cause indoor air pollution.
Regular exposure to these dangerous substances—which can happen from washing clothes or from coming into contact with them—may put both humans and the ecosystem at risk.
1,4-Dioxane is frequently found in cosmetics, household cleansers, and laundry detergents. The US EPA classifies 1,4-dioxane as a probable human carcinogen. Low-level exposure to 1,4-dioxane may increase a person's risk of cancer throughout their lifetime. According to a 2021 report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 1,4-dioxane was found in over 100 public water systems in the U.S.
What should we be on the lookout for??
Harmful Chemicals
Numerous ingredients present in standard laundry detergents pose health and environmental risks.
Here are a few of the most frequent offenders:
Phosphates: To improve cleaning efficacy and soften water, detergents frequently contain phosphates. Phosphates, however, can result in toxic algal blooms in waterways, which lower oxygen levels and endanger aquatic life.
Surfactants: Although surfactants are good at removing stains and dirt, they can be abrasive and irritating to the skin and respiratory system. Skin allergies and environmental pollution have also been connected to specific surfactants.
Artificial fragrances: If the ingredient says "Fragrance" or "Natural Fragrance," it's an ingredients the company doesn't want to admit is in there. Although synthetic fragrances may give clothes a pleasant scent, they frequently contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can aggravate allergies and respiratory problems.
Optical brighteners: These chemicals are used to give textiles a whiter, brighter appearance. They can irritate skin and stay on the fabric even after washing. They can also upset aquatic ecosystems, and are not biodegradable.
Environmental Impact
Sadly, we must be concerned about more than just our health. Laundry detergent contains hazardous chemicals that are not only bad for our health but also wind up in wastewater when they are washed off. They might then make their way into lakes, rivers, and the ocean, where they could devastate delicate ecosystems and harm aquatic life.
Laundry is the top source of mirco plastic pollution
Microfibers, or small pieces of plastic resembling tiny threads or filaments, are the most prevalent type of microplastics found in the ecosystem. Though they can be found in many places, such as fishing nets, ropes, and cigarette butts, synthetic fabrics are the main source of microfibers because they constantly shed. During production, use, and disposal, textiles release microfibers, particularly during washing. Up to several million microfibers can be released during a single washing load. The type of fabric, the amount of mechanical action, the temperature, the detergents used, and the length of the wash cycle are some of the variables that influence how many fibers are released.
Microfibers from clothing that are released in washing machines find their way into the wastewater stream, which usually ends up at a water treatment facility. Up to 99 percent of microfibers in water can be eliminated by sophisticated treatment facilities. However, the treated water that is released from the plant still has a significant amount of fibers in it because even one laundry load can generate millions of them.
Alternatives and Solutions
GUPPYFRIEND: A laundry bag designed to shield clothing and remove microplastic particles from synthetic materials. It keeps microplastics out of the environment. Fish and other marine life swallow the microplastic particles that have entered the water and accumulated toxins. Thus, the plastic from our clothes ends up on our plates, harming both us and the environment.
Laundry Detergent Options:
Dropps: All Natural Laundry Products, Laundry Pods, Dishwasher Detergent Pods.
Meliora: Plastic Free Laundry Products, Dish Soap Bars, Bleach Alternative, Laundry Stain Remover Sticks, Bar Soaps and House Cleaner Spray.
Public Goods: Refillable Laundry Products.
What you can do about microfibers?
To lessen microfiber shedding from your laundry in the interim, try these tips:
Reduce how often you do laundry. Because there is less friction on the clothing during the wash cycle, washing full loads as opposed to partial loads reduces the release of microfibers.
Instead of using hot water, use cold water, which releases fewer microfibers.
Less detergent is used, which promotes microfiber release.
Make use of a front-loading washing machine, as they release less microfibers during the tumbling process.
On a clothesline, dry your laundry. More microfibers from the dryer vent are released into the air when clothes are being dried.
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