Toxic Chemicals Found in Laundry Soap, Air Fresheners

Keeping the house clean and smelling fresh is made easier by the wide variety of air fresheners and laundry products available in nearly any scent you prefer. But a new study reveals that some of these products may contain toxic and volatile ingredients, and could be making you ill.

A University of Washington study of top-selling laundry products and air fresheners found the products emitted dozens of different chemicals. All six products tested gave off at least one chemical regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, but none of those chemicals was listed on the product labels.

The FDA does not require that manufacturers list the ingredients of laundry detergents and other cleaners. Fragrances are also exempt a requirement for an ingredients list.

The study points out that we may often introduce hazardous chemicals into our homes without realizing it. Take a look at this quote from Anne Steinman in the UW press release:

"I was surprised by both the number and the potential toxicity of the chemicals that were found," Steinemann said. Chemicals included acetone, the active ingredient in paint thinner and nail-polish remover; limonene, a molecule with a citrus scent; as well as acetaldehyde, chloromethane and 1,4-dioxane.

"Nearly 100 volatile organic compounds were emitted from these six products, and none were listed on any product label. Plus, five of the six products emitted one or more carcinogenic 'hazardous air pollutants,' which are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency to have no safe exposure level," Steinemann said.

You can read more about this study at the UW website.