I read a startling and shocking
article that posed the question as to whether fabric softeners laced
with chemicals contribute to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
According to Dr. Ron Harper, of the UCLA Medical School Brain Research
Institute, he believes that an anaphylactic reaction (hypersensitivity
to a foreign substance) is responsible for some SIDS cases. He further
states that fabric softeners with their array of chemical components
could not be ruled out as possible causative agents.
According to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and industry-generated Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS), there is a mind-boggling list of dangerous petrochemicals
in these products, many of them used in untested combinations, there
are many chemicals found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets such as
Alpha-Terpineol, Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Camphor, Chloroform,
Ethyl Acetate and others. These chemicals have been found to cause
various health problems including central nervous system disorders,
irritation to mucous membranes, pancreatic cancer, irritation to upper
respiratory tract, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and the list
goes on and on.
With this information, it makes sense to
begin using more natural and safe fabric softener for the health of your
family. I have listed a few healthy tips for you to consider as you
keep your home a "healthy home."
What To Look For
- AVOID fabric softeners that contain benzyl acetate, formaldehyde, camphor, chloroform, ethyl acetate, pentane, linalool and limonene.
- Fabric softeners made with natural ingredients not chemicals.
Healthy Tips
- Add baking soda to your rinse cycle.
- Vinegar is a natural fabric softener - add ½ cup to your wash cycle.
- Wash and dry cottons and synthetic fabrics separately.
- Synthetic fabrics contribute to static cling so consider not using your dryer for nylon, rayon and other synthetic fabrics.
