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A new study finds that air vented through dryer vents of machines using top-selling detergents and dryer sheets may contain hazardous chemicals. Researchers from the University of Washington tested not just one, but two machines to determine that scented laundry soap contains as many as 25 volatile organic compounds.
The machines were cleaned with vinegar before being tested. Small canisters in the vents captured and measured the exhaust. Of the 25 volatile organic compounds detected, two have been classified as carcinogens: acetaldehyde and benzene.
Acetaldehyde is oxidized ethanol (whatever that is) and should totally be banned because, according to Wikipedia, it might be the cause of hangovers. Everyone knows hangovers are evil. Who knew dryer sheets caused them?
Benzene is a solvent, so it makes sense that it be used in detergent, because we moms really enjoy detergent that dissolves stains. We have enough chores already -- we don’t want to run grass-stained jeans through the washer eight times in a futile attempt to get them clean again.
Professor Anne Steinemann, the main researcher for the study, said she was prompted to research the matter when she was contacted by many people reporting adverse effects when standing too close to the dryer vent.
Duh. I get a headache when I stand too close to the dryer vent too. Mostly because it reminds of Mt. Washmore that needs laundering, folding, and putting away. And that reminds me of the dishwasher that needs to be unloaded, and the floor that needs to be vacuumed, and oh man, I’m getting a headache right now!
Once upon a time, companies making dishwasher detergent were banned from including phosphates in their products. The result was dishwashers that never got the dishes very clean, and left a filmy residue behind. If Professor Steinemann has her way, laundry detergents will no longer include the ingredients that actually get clothes clean.
Here’s a more practical solution: Don’t stand under the dryer vent.
Leave my clean clothes alone.
Image via seishin17/Flickr
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Comments (26)
Leave my environment alone.
LOL, Jenny. They'll be happy when we're all beating our laundry on a rock by the river....
Before I got to the end I was thinking "...who the hell stands next to the dryer vent for extended periods of time?"
That said, I do think we should be looking for ways to do our chores without using so many chemicals. It just makes sense to me. I don't think these potentially harmful items should be BANNED though. If people want to use it, that's their perogative. I use more natural soaps and I don't use dryer sheets. Surprise surprise, our clothes come out perfectly clean, thank you very much. I also use cloth diapers, which are obviously WAY dirtier than a load of regular laundry. You have to use more natural detergents with those and those come out fresh and clean every time. How about that?
There's also the option of line drying your clothes. That's pretty environmentally conscious. I know that's not possible for everyone, but for those that can, the sun is a great way to remove stains.
the sun is a great way to remove stains.
Whoa, there - in my experience, the sun just bakes in the stain, just like the heat from the dryer. I'm totally jealous if you have a stain-release setting for the sun. No fair!
Also - wanted to add - Biokleen laundry detergent is green and awesome for stains, and vinegar or baking soda added to the wash water pretty much eliminates the need for softener even if you have hard water.
Well, the sun sure gets rid of poop stains on our cloth diapers! lol And one of those was a real doozy that repeated washes, oxyclean, and even baking soda, vinegar, and scrubbing with a toothbrush couldn't get out. That's really the only way I've tested it personally and it worked for me, so admittedly I can't vouch for any other type of stain, although I've heard/read from several people it does. I assume you didn't respond with total snark, that would just be uncalled for.
PS: Biokleen does rock.