|
Ingredient |
Description |
|
Alkyl benzene sulfonates or ABS
(also linear alkyl benzene sulfonates or LAS, linear alkyl
sodium sulfonates) |
A class of
synthetic surfactants, usually identified as anionic
surfactants. LAS are the most common surfactants in use. During
the manufacturing process, carcinogens and reproductive toxins
such as benzene are released into the environment. LAS are
synthetic. The pure compounds may cause skin irritation on
prolonged contact, just like soap. |
|
Alkyl
phenoxy polyethoxy ethanols
(also nonyl
phenoxy ethoxylate or nonyl phenol). |
This is a
general name for a group of synthetic surfactants. They are slow
to biodegrade in the environment and have been implicated in
chronic health problems. Researchers in England have found that
in trace amounts they activate estrogen receptors in cells,
which in turn alters the activity of certain genes. For example,
in experiments they have been found to stimulate the growth of
breast cancer cells and feminize male fish. |
|
Ammonia
|
Ammonia is
an irritant that affects the skin, eyes and respiratory
passages. The symptoms of ammonia exposure are: a burning
sensation in the eyes, nose and throat; pain in the lungs;
headache; nausea; coughing; and increased breathing rate.
Ammonia also adds nitrogen to the environment. |
|
Artificial Dyes
and Colors
|
Artificial
colors can be made from petroleum, though some are made from
coal. Many do not degrade in the environment and also have toxic
effects on both fish and mammals. They do not serve any useful
purpose. Additionally, they often can cause allergies and skin
or eye irritation. |
|
Artificial
Fragrances |
Artificial
fragrances are made from petroleum. Many do not degrade in the
environment, and may have toxic effects on both fish and
mammals. Additionally, they often can cause allergies and skin
or eye irritation. |
|
Ingredient |
Description |
|
Benzene
(also benzol, benzole, annulene, benzeen, phenyl hydride, coal naphtha). |
Made from
petroleum and coal, benzene is classified by the International
Agency for Research on Cancer as a carcinogen.
|
|
Cellulase |
Refers to
a class of enzymes produced chiefly by fungi, bacteria, and
protozoans that catalyze the hydrolysis of cellulose.
|
|
Diethanolamines
(also diethanolamine, triethanolamine and monoethanolamine)
|
A
synthetic family of surfactants, this group of compounds is used
to neutralize acids in products to make them non-irritating.
Diathanolamines are slow to biodegrade and they react with
natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the
atmosphere to form nitrosamines, a family of potent carcinogens.
|
|
EDTA
(ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate) |
A class of
synthetic, phosphate-alternative compounds used to reduce
calcium and magnesium hardness in water. EDTA is also used to
prevent bleaching agents from becoming active before they're
immersed in water and as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA does not
readily biodegrade and once introduced into the general
environment can re-dissolve toxic heavy metals trapped in
underwater sediments, allowing them to re-enter and re-circulate
in the food chain.
|
|
Ethoxylated alcohol
|
A
surfactant. It is commonly derived from coconuts. It is used
widely because it is known to be less irritating to the skin
than other similar products. However, laboratory testing and
that of the federal government have documented ethoxylated
alcohol compounds are frequently contaminated with 1,4-dioxane,
which is carcinogenic and is listed by the federal government as
a probable human carcinogen.
|
|
Optical
brighteners |
Optical
brighteners are synthetic chemicals that, when applied to
clothing, convert UV light wavelengths to visible light, thus
making laundered clothes appear "whiter." Their inclusion in any
formula does not enhance or affect the product's performance in
any way; they simply trick the eye. Optical brighteners do not
readily biodegrade. They can cause allergic reaction when in
contact with skin that is then exposed to sunlight. |
|
Petroleum
distillates
(also naphthas) |
A broad
category encompassing almost every type of chemical obtained
directly from the petroleum refining process. Any ingredient
listed as a "petroleum distillate" or "naphtha" should be
suspect as it is, firstly a synthetic and, secondly, likely to
cause one or more detrimental health or environmental effects.
|
|
Ingredient |
Description |
|
Polycarboxylates |
Similar in
chemical structure to certain plastics and acrylic compounds,
these are relatively new, synthetic phosphate substitutes. They
are recent additions to consumer products and their
effects on human and environmental health remain largely
unknown. They are not biodegradable and are petroleum based. |
|
Polyethylene glycol
(also PEG)
|
Another
type of anti-redeposition agent, PEG is a polymer made from
ethylene oxide and is similar to some non-ionic detergents. Not
considered toxic, it takes large doses to be lethal in animals.
However, PEG is slow to degrade and is synthetic. |
|
Sodium
carbonate
(also known as washing soda or soda ash) |
Called
washing soda in the detergent section of stores, it effectively
removes oil, grease, and alcohol stains. |
|
Subtilisin
|
An
extracellular enzyme produced by certain strains of a soil
bacterium (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) that catalyzes the
breakdown of proteins into polypeptides and resembles trypsin in
its action. |
|
Surfactants
|
A general
term for Surface Active Agents. It is the term used to describe
the active cleaning agents in a product. Conventional products
use synthetic surfactants often derived from petroleum. Some
names of surfactants: Sodium Lauryl
Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) , Ammonium Lauryl
Sulfate (ALS) , Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES), Sodium Methyl
Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Cocoyl
Sarcosinate, Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen, TEA (Triethanolamine)
Lauryl Sulfate, TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate, Lauryl or
Cocoyl Sarcosine, Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate, Disodium
Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate etc
|
|
TEA -Triethanolamine
Laureth Sulfate
|
Synthetic
emulsifier. Highly acidic. Over 40% of cosmetics containing
Triethanolamine (TEA), have been found to be contaminated with
nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens. |
|
Quaternium
15 |
An alkyl
ammonium chloride used as a surfactant, disinfectant and
deodorant that releases formaldehyde, a potent toxin. |
|
Xylene
sulfonate |
Xylene is
a synthetic that, when reacted with sulfuric acid, creates a
surfactant. Slow to biodegrade in the environment and
moderately toxic. |
So
what exactly is in your laundry detergent? This question is not so easy
to answer. It can be difficult for even highly educated consumers to
find out just what ingredients are in the major detergent products, and
how they might impact the environment.
