Green Sanctuary Program
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Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
Green Sanctuary Program |
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April 10, 2007 National Geographic Green Guide http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=78, - article no longer available online Laundry product manufacturers fill advertising images with mountainous landscapes, wildflowers and clean white sheets flapping in prairie winds to sell the idea that their products will leave your clothes feeling fresh and clean. These images also suggest that detergents clean clothes "naturally," yet manufacturers of laundry products rely on unnatural ingredients, like non-renewable petroleum, synthetic fragrances and chemical whiteners that can pollute your laundry room and the rest of your home. Waterways aren't immune to these dangerous ingredients, either. As detergents, bleaches and fabric softeners get washed down your laundry room drain, they enter groundwater, where they react with other man-made and naturally occurring chemicals and seep into drinking water supplies. Chlorine bleach, for instance, reacts with carbon molecules to create organochlorines, such as dioxin. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found high percentages of dioxin in water surrounding the San Francisco Bay area. One suspected source: laundry water coming from municipal gray water discharges. Additionally, because it is such a necessary, frequently tackled chore in many homes, laundry consumes a great deal of energy, which in turn produces greenhouse gas emissions, taking its environmental impact beyond waterways and into the air. Personal Health Laundry detergent and fabric softener ingredients pose a variety of health risks, ranging from relatively minor like skin irritants and allergens to the severe cancer, poisoning and neurological problems. Knowing which ingredients to avoid, however, will help you control the number of toxins entering your home. Laundry Detergents Laundry detergents and laundry stain removers frequently contain nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), common surfactants belonging to a class of chemicals called alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs). Surfactants, or surface active agents, are chemicals that make surfaces more susceptible to water, allowing cleaners to easily penetrate stains and wash them away. APEs can damage the immune system, and they're suspected hormone disruptors, which means they can mimic hormones in the body that regulate reproduction and development. Used instead of or in conjunction with NPEs, Linear alkylate sulfonate (LAS), is another surfactant used in laundry powders and liquids. LAS, which is often listed on ingredients as "anionic surfactant" causes contact dermatitis, respiratory irritation and, if ingested, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is also corrosive to the eyes. Some companies use alcohol ethoxylates in place of LAS, NPEs and other APE surfactants, and though they are derived from plant and vegetable oils, alcohol ethoxylates are created using a process called "ethohxylation" that produces the probable human carcinogen 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct, which can penetrate skin. Phosphates, a once widely used ingredient in laundry detergents, have been phased out, due to their damaging environmental impact. They are still present in dishwashing detergents and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested, and severe skin irritation. The fragrances in detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets may provoke skin irritation, allergic reactions and asthma, and they can contain hormone disrupting 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 American Association of Poison Control Centers, chlorine-based bleaches caused 19,581 poisonings in U.S. children under 6 years of age in 2005. 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. Fabric Softeners Fabric softeners can build up on clothing, making them look dull. They also hinder the absorptive abilities of towels, so if you do choose to use them on other clothing, never use them on towels. In terms of health risks, however, a study in the May 2000 issue of the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that they emit, among other chemicals, the neurotoxins toluene and trimethylbenzene, styrene (a possible carcinogen), the respiratory irritants phenol and xylene, and thymol, which can cause abdominal distress. Finally, laundry products sometimes contain optical brighteners intended to make clothing appear cleaner. These brighteners can rub off fabrics onto skin and cause rashes. Environmental Waterways and Aquatic Life After bubbly detergents disappear down our drains, they are treated along with sewage and other wastewater at municipal treatment plants, then discharged into nearby waterways. Most ingredients in chemical cleaners break down into harmless substances during treatment or soon afterward. Others, however, do not, threatening water quality or fish and other wildlife. Chlorine bleach combines with carbon molecules, creating harmful organochlorines such as dioxin. In 2000, the EPA found that the San Francisco Bay, which had high levels of dioxin, was being fed by municipal gray water that included, in large part, laundry water containing fabric- bleaching chemicals. In a May 2002 study of contaminants in stream water samples across the country, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found persistent detergent metabolites, which are detergent chemicals that have passed through microorganisms, in 69 percent of streams tested. Sixty-six percent contained disinfectants. The detergent metabolites the USGS detected were APEs, including nonylphenol ethoxylates and octylphenol ethoxylates. When discharged in municipal wastewater, nonylphenol ethoxylates and octylphenol ethoxylates break down into nonylphenol and octylphenol, which are more toxic and do not readily biodegrade in soil and water. The presence of APEs have been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen, and their presence in water may be harming the reproduction and survival of salmon and other fish. For example, in Britain, researcher John Sumpter discovered that male fish exposed to APEs in rivers were producing female egg-yolk proteins. According to the USGS, 3,500 kilograms of LAS are dumped into the Mississippi River basin every day, depriving water of oxygen and killing aquatic life. LAS also decomposes on heating, producing toxic and corrosive fumes such as sulfur oxides. Surfactants of all types are harmful to the environment because they don't biodegrade quickly. As they build up in ground water, they deprive the soil of moisture, essentially creating "water-repellant soil" that hinders the growth of plants. The bleaching ingredient sodium perborate has been shown to harm aquatic life and to emit toxic fumes when heated during incineration. Solid Waste The plastic bottles used to package cleaning products pose another environmental problem by contributing to the mounds of solid waste that must be landfilled, incinerated or, in not enough cases, recycled. Most cleaners are bottled in high-density polyethylene (HDPE, #2) or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE, #1) which are accepted for recycling in a growing number of communities. However, some are bottled in polyvinyl chloride (PVC, #3). PVC, otherwise known as vinyl, is made from cancer-causing chemicals such as vinyl chloride, and it forms dioxin, a potent carcinogen, as a byproduct during production and incineration. As a final insult, most sanitation departments do not accept PVC for recycling; less than one percent of all PVC is recycled each year. As a general environmental precaution, most laundry detergents, fabric softeners and stain removers are made from petroleum, contributing to the depletion of this non-renewable resource and increasing our nation's dependence on imported oil. Dryer sheets are not made of readily biodegradable materials and pile up in landfills. Some companies have introduced re-usable products that will soften clothes and eliminate static cling; among the most advertised are dryer balls made from PVC, which as stated earlier, releases cancer-causing chemicals during production. Another alternative are so-called "static eliminator" dryer sheets that are made from polyester, itself made of non-renewable petroleum. Energy Laundry equipment consumes vast amounts of energy and water to clean a load of clothing. On average, washers are the second-largest water user in the home, consuming 40 gallons per load (Energy Star-rated appliances use around half that). According to the Energy Information Administration, dryers annually consume 1,079 kilowatt hours per household of energy, the production of which contributes up to 2,224 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that adds to global warming. What to look for Choose products that disclose ingredients on product labels, as most environmentally preferable brands do. If laundry product labels don't list specific ingredients, you can learn something about a product's hazards by a signal word, suchas "Danger," "Warning" or "Caution," which appears on every label and provides some indication of a product's toxicity. Products labeled "Danger" or "Poison" are typically most hazardous, because they contain ingredients that could explode or, if used improperly, cause death. Those bearing a "Warning" label are moderately hazardous, meaning that if ingested the product could cause serious health problems but not death. Formulas with a "Caution" label are considered slightly toxic, in that they can cause mild to severe irritation of the skin, eyes or respiratory tract if inhaled or exposed to the skin but probably won't cause severe health problems if ingested (although they may cause nausea or diarrhea). Because there are very few effective cleaning ingredients available, even some of the least- toxic detergents will bear the "Caution" label, but if you can find them, choose products without the above signal words on their label. Beside the signal word is usually a phrase that describes the nature of the hazard, such as "may cause skin irritation," "flammable," "vapors harmful," or "may cause burns on contact." Look for instructions on how to use the product, which may help you avoid injury. Some labels do list active ingredients, which may assist you in detecting caustic or irritating ingredients you may wish to avoid, such as sodium hypochlorite. A few manufacturers voluntarily list all ingredients. And don't stop with the product labeling. A few manufacturers list specific ingredients on their web sites simply because there isn't adequate room on the product itself. When gauging ecological claims, look for specifics. For example,"biodegradable in 3 to 5 days" holds a lot more meaning than simply "biodegradable," as most substances will eventually break down if given enough time and the right ecological conditions. And claims like "no phosphates" or "plant-based" are more meaningful than vague terms like"ecologically-friendly" or "natural." When ingredients are listed, choose products made with plant-based, instead of petroleum-based, ingredients. To reduce packaging waste, buy the largest size available. Select products in bottles made with at least some recycled plastic or in cardboard boxes made with 100 percent recycled content. And choose concentrated formulas, which require less packaging and fuel for shipping. Avoid harsh fragrances by choosing detergents and fabric softeners labeled "fragrance free." While some less-toxic detergents are scented with essential or citrus oils, these plant-based fragrances can still aggravate allergies and cause contact dermatitis in extremely sensitive individuals. What to look out for Laundry product manufacturers like to lure people in with unsubstantiated claims like non-toxic, hypo-allergenic and natural. These claims aren't verified by third parties and are therefore meaningless. Use of the term "organic" on a cleaning product's label or in its title doesn't guarantee a safer product, either. There are no defined organic standards for cleaning products, and the term is only meaningful on food and some personal care products. Be aware that some labels that may make a product appear eco-friendly are actually meaningless. For example, many spray fabric stain removers and spray starches come in aerosol spray cans labeled "no CFCs" (or chlorofluorocarbons, which deplete the ozone layer), leading consumers to believe they are buying a more eco-friendly product by purchasing that brand. In reality, CFCs have been banned from aerosols since 1978, so no products are permitted to contain CFCs. Buying products in "recyclable" packaging is not the same as buying those in "post consumer recycled" (PCR) packaging. Purchasing PCR supports companies that are providing a vital end-market for recycled paper and plastic, without which recycling would not be possible. Shopping Suggestions Laundry Detergents The products below are all made with renewable, vegetable-based ingredients (corn, palm kernel or coconut oil) and are either fragrance-free or scented with essential oils. For do-it-yourself laundry detergent recipes, see "Tips and Alternatives" below.Fabric Softeners Conventional fabric softeners contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Before buying any fabric softener, whether conventional or eco-friendly, try making your own at home with baking soda or white vinegar. For suggestions, see "Tips and Alternatives" below. If your home remedies don't work, consider these vegetable-based, essential oil-scented alternatives: Bleaches and Stain Removers Chlorine-based bleaches are harmful to your health and to the environment, while stain removers are frequently made with petroleum-based ingredients. Again, there are do-it-yourself solutions to bleaching and removing stains (see "Tips and Alternatives" below), but if those don't work, try these store-bought alternatives. The bleach alternatives are made with either hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate, an environmentally benign mixture of washing soda and hydrogen peroxide that breaks down into oxygen, water and soda ash. Energy-Efficient Washers and Dryers When looking for a new clothes washer, choose an Energy Star-certified appliance, which will use at least 50 percent less energy and up to 65 percent less water than a standard washer. For a complete list of Energy Star-certified washers, visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=clotheswash.pr_clothes_washers Natural Fiber Baskets and Hampers Choose non-synthetic, petroleum-free baskets and hampers. Tips and Alternatives * To make your own laundry detergent, combine either liquid castile soap or plain soap flakes with either washing soda to cut grease (it is caustic, so always wear gloves when handling) or borax to remove stains (keep away from pets and children, as it can cause vomiting if ingested). * If you need fabric softener, you can make your own by adding 1/4 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. Adding 1/4 cup of white vinegar will also soften clothes, as well as eliminate static cling. * You can eliminate static cling in the dryer by drying natural-fiber clothes and synthetic-material clothes separately. Better still, line dry the synthetic clothing, as those materials tend to dry faster than cotton. * For stain removal, try soaking fabrics in water mixed with either borax, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. * Scrubbing stained areas with a paste of washing soda and water effectively removes some stains, but be sure to wear gloves when using washing soda. * Launder clothes on the warm or cold water setting for washing, and always use cold water to rinse clothes. Washing clothes in cold water can cut CO2 emissions down by 100 pounds and save you up to $64 a year on your energy bill. * Clean your lint filter with every load and check your dryer exhaust frequently to make sure it's clean and that the flapper on the outside hood opens and closes freely. This will help improve its energy efficiency. * Irons can consume up to 1,800 watts of energy, and if used for two hours, one iron emits 4.8 pounds of carbon dioxide. Line drying clothes, drying with cold air or removing them promptly from the dryer will keep wrinkles to a minimum. |
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