Over at Lambsey~Divey, I promised to list chemicals found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets.This is a conservative list compared to others I have found. (Gotta admit, Nana's Little Lamb Puffs dryer balls are looking better all the time...)
I felt the information here important enough to post on both sites...So, here you have it.
Most of these chemicals are found in untested combinations. Liquid fabric softeners additionally may contain formaldehyde.
- 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. [WHO knew???]
- Chloroform: Neurotoxic, anesthetic and carcinogenic.
- Linalool: A narcotic that causes central nervous system disorders.
- Pentane: A chemical known to be harmful if inhaled.
More and more, I am convinced it is due to toxins they have been subjected to during their military careers. Many have had to paint and clean in enclosed spaces, and chemicals in paints and cleaning supplies weren't controlled in decades past. If dryer sheets, and more recently I found from personal experience, room air fresheners, can be harmful or set off allergic reactions, imagine what some of these stronger chemicals in larger doses could have done to our military.
But of course, the problem isn't confined to the military sector...consider the ills we have discovered regarding other professions and even recreation...There are so many-too many to list in a single post.
It is sad that we cannot trust manufacturers not to poison our homes via the conveniences they offer...We take for granted that the cozy Snuggle Bear and other cutesy mascots for other products are honest and have our best interests in mind. Oh, well. What do we do?
Educate ourselves. Determine in our own homes and work environments, which things we feel are most important to us...and find alternatives. They're out there.
Like dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. And find out the many uses of things like vinegar and baking soda that can take the place of toxic substances.
I am honestly NOT 'there' yet. I have a very long way to go. And I hate to admit it, but like so many others, I didn't even get started in the right direction until a family member started having 'phantom' issues. Then, I had a few myself...We have had positive results by reducing/eliminating/learning how to make our own: perfume, dryer sheets, laundry detergent, candles and air fresheners.
And believe me, it was no happy chore in some cases because I especially adore having my house smell good. But what I've learned is that there are many non-toxic ways to make my house smell good...like baking and cooking, for one! A bowl of citrus fruits encourages healthy snacking and emits a lovely, clean scent. Dried flowers may be turned into potpourri and using the safe, plant-based oils is another option. And if cleaning products are a must, there are several that boast of their own safety, such as Simple Green.
And of course, Nana's Little Lamb Puffs fit the bill quite nicely, particularly when unscented or scented only with the safe oils as explained in the pages accessed through the tabs at the top of the Lambsey~Divey page.
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