Stop using dryer sheets immediately!

However, the truth is that most people have no idea that they are bringing such serious pollutants into their neighborhood.

One of Steinemann's scent studies found that acetaldehyde emissions from five leading brands of scented detergents and dryer sheets "account for approximately 6 percent of automobile acetaldehyde emissions." That's a lot. (4) She also comments:

These products can affect not only personal health, but also the health of the public and the environment. The chemicals can leach into the air, drains and waterways. We attach great importance to reducing pollutant emissions from automobiles. And here is a source of pollution that could be reduced. (5)

Further research into dryer sheets and dryer sheet components revealed the following important findings:

• 44 percent of scented laundry products tested emitted at least one carcinogenic hazardous air pollutant. These include, among others, acetaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. (6)
• Some of these are more immediateDangers of synthetic fragrances

  in laundry products include migraines, asthma attacks, eye and throat irritation, and contact dermatitis.

• In a mouse study, fabric softeners caused restricted air circulation and lung irritation in the animals examined. (7, 8)
• In 2009, nearly 10 percent of the general U.S. population reported irritation from odors emanating from dryer vents. By 2016, that number rose to over 12 percent. (9)
• In a study that focused on hormone disruptors and asthma triggers in everyday products, researchers at the Silent Spring Institute found that dryer sheets contained some of the highest concentrations of harmful fragrance chemicals. Compounds such as acetylhexamethyltetralin, isobornyl acetate and phenethyl alcohol have also been found. (10)
• According to EcoWatch, dryer sheets often contain quaternary ammonium compounds, which can trigger asthma attacks. These caustic fabric softeners also routinely cause reproductive toxicity in animals. Acetone in the sheets can cause dizziness and headaches. That being said, up to 10 percent of a dryer sheet's weight can be scent chemicals. (11, 12)
• The "qualities" of dryer sheets vary widely in the Environmental Working Group's Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Some “F” products contain quaternary ammonium compounds due to their known asthma-causing properties. Other fabric softeners commonly used in dryer sheets are considered toxic to wildlife. (13)

Better alternatives to store-bought dryer sheets

The good news is that you can get by without dryer sheets. (It's true!) In fact, humans existed and successfully washed their clothes for centuries without these modern scented laundry products. In fact, it wasn't until 1969 that there was a patent for dryer sheets. The inventor, Conrad J. Gaiser, subsequently sold the patent to Procter & Gamble, which manufactured the Bounce dryer sheets. (14)

You can avoid the chemicals in dryer sheets by using some of these laundry room tactics:

• Add a quarter cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine.
• Look for plant-based, fragrance-free laundry detergents. (Or make your own fragrance-free perfumecastile soap

  .)

• Hang your clothes outside to dry. (You will also be happy about a reduction in your energy bill!)
• Add wool dryer balls to your dryer. It also shortens drying time. You can add a few drops of organic, therapeutic productpeppermint essential oil

  to the balls for a light, natural scent.

• Always use herbal, fragrance-free detergents. Or make your ownhomemade laundry soap

  .

• Beware of “green” laundry products. In some studies, some of them even released toxic compounds.
• Advocate for your workplace, apartment complex and/or neighbors to adopt these fragrance-free laundry practices to protect the health of everyone in your community and workplace.

Final thoughts on dryer sheets

• Dryer sheets are one of the worst offenders because they contain chemicals that can cause hormone imbalances and asthma.
• More than 12 percent of the U.S. population reported negative health symptoms related to dryer emissions.
• Many dryer sheets contain chemicals that react with the air to form formaldehyde, a probable human carcinogen.
• Other common pollutants in dryer sheets include acetaldehyde and benzene, which are also found in vehicle exhaust and are not considered safe in any way.
• To reduce exposure to dryer sheet chemicals, you can naturally reduce static by adding a quarter cup of white vinegar to your washing machine's rinse cycle. You can also use wool dryer balls or hang your clothes to dry.

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