Most people are unaware that there are many toxic ingredients on our dryer sheets. Not all are dangerous or toxic, but most are and you would be surprise how many things you can avoid just by going natural and saving money at the same time!
In short: carcinogenic chemicals, dementia, asthma, respiratory infections and allergies, damage to the environment, and many more.
- Hormone disruption — A lot of dryer sheets contain phthalates, which are used as solvents in cleaning products. Phthalates act as endocrine (hormone) disruptors that can have estrogenic effects. These chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system and cause “infertility, premature ovarian failure, and non-reproductive disorders.”
- Environmental damage — A 2011 study determined that the carcinogenic chemicals in dryer sheets “leak into the environment and air” via laundry vents. Unlike other forms of pollution, these chemical emissions go unregulated. At least seven chemicals from laundry vents are considered “hazardous air pollutants” and they can “linger in the air, go down drains, and seep into lakes and rivers.”
- Respiratory irritation and asthma — Dryer sheets contain “quaternary ammonium compounds” or “quats,” a group of chemicals that soften fabric and eliminate static. Quats can cause asthma, and studies show that the link between the two is “significant.” Dryer sheets also contain formaldehyde, which can cause “burning and stinging eyes, upper airway irritation, wheezing, tearing, excessive thirst, and disturbed sleep.”
- Skin and throat irritation — The formaldehyde in dryer sheets is the same chemical used to make building materials and furniture. Formaldehyde can also cause “severe skin, nose, eye, and throat irritation, as well as vascular collapse, pneumonia, and injury to the larynx and trachea.
Alternatives to dryer sheets
You don’t have to give up dryer sheets forever. Simply switch to these alternatives to avoid any negative side effects while you keep your clothes soft and fragrant.- Homemade dryer sheets — Make DIY dryer sheets with some cotton cloths, such as cotton dish towels or old cotton T-shirts cut into small squares, and a sealable jar. You’ll also need 10 to 12 drops of lemon, orange, geranium or lavender essential oil and half a cup of white vinegar. Start by cutting the cloths into small squares. Make sure they’re small enough to stack in the jar. Combine the vinegar and essential oils in a small bowl, then pour the mixture into the jar until the cloths are damp. Simply take a cloth from the jar and wring out any excess liquid before putting it in your dryer. You can reuse the cloths by taking them from the dryer and putting them back into the jar to soak up the excess liquid. Repeat this until the sheets dry up. When do, repeat the entire recipe.
- Hypoallergenic dryer balls — Add a rubber or wool dryer ball to your load, but make sure there are no hidden chemical ingredients. These balls help “reduce static, soften fabric, and fluff your clothes.”
- Natural fabrics — To eliminate static cling caused by polyester and other fabrics, consider gradually switching to natural fabrics like 100 percent cotton.
- Vinegar fabric softener — If you don’t have time to make the DIY dryer sheets, you can add half a cup of vinegar to the load during the rinse cycle.
I would add that even thought this are some alternative recommendations, you can add your personal touch to them. I would probably add my favorite organic flower essence or personal touch (instead of just vinegar of course).
Let's protect ourselves and our love ones! because if we do not, nobody will.
This article was originally listed at: NaturalNews.com By Zoey Sky - We are grateful for this information. Please share this and support positive healthy choices!
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