Toxic Nation | Pollution. It's In You.

Dryer sheets and fabric softeners are commonly used products that often escape the scrutiny of Canadians.

The truth is that both items can contain a number of chemicals that are hazardous to human health. According to an American health and wellness website Sixwise.com, some of the harmful ingredients found in dryer sheets and fabric softeners include:

Benzyl acetate, which is linked to pancreatic cancer; Benzyl alcohol, an upper respiratory tract irritant; Ethanol, which has been linked to disorders in the central nervous system; Limonene, a known carcinogen; and, Chloroform, a neurotoxin and carcinogen.

Because these products are designed to stay in your clothing for prolonged periods of time, the chemicals they contain can be gradually inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Additionally, dryer sheets can release harmful substances into the air when heated up in the dryer, posing possible indoor air pollution problems.

Looking for safer alternatives? Try adding a quarter cup of baking soda or a quarter cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle (unless you are using bleach – this will create a chemical reaction). Both baking soda and vinegar help soften fabrics, and vinegar prevents static cling. There are also a number of eco-friendly products that you can use – check out your local health food store to investigate your options.

For more information, read this article, check out the sixwise.com website, or explore National Geographic’s “Green Guide” website for more on safe alternatives.

Cheers,

Sarah