John H. Boyles, M.D. James J. Howard, M.D. William E. Rogers, M.D.
A recent study by Anderson Laboratories gives us alarming information concerning fabric softeners. Here are their findings:
Anderson Laboratories' chemical analysis of the airborne emissions of five commonly available fabric softeners was reported in the May, 2000, issue of the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Their study revealed that the fabric softeners emitted toluene, styrene, phenol, thymol, xylene and trimethylbenzene, among other chemicals, many of which cause acute respiratory tract irritations and inflammation. Fabric Softener chemicals are made to stay in cloths fibers and slowly release for a very long time. That slow release of chemicals into the air affects the health of those wearing the clothes and people around them.
Babies, children, older people and people who are already sick, are especially hurt by these chemicals. Damage can be permanent, causing longtime illness. Babies often react with rashes, frequent crying and/or diarrhea. Disinfectants can have the same effects. Experts suggest a possible connection between Sudden Infant Death (crib death) and the use of these products for washing babies clothes and crib sheets and blankets.
Some symptoms caused by fabric softener fumes are: tiredness that is not cured by resting, difficulty breathing, nervousness for no known reason, difficulty concentrating and remembering, dizziness, headaches, sick stomach, feeling faint, rashes and/or difficulty controlling body movements. For more information, please visit www.nontoxic.com/nontoxic/.