Fabric Softener Sheets and why you should avoid them:

If you decide to quit using scented fabric softener sheets, it will take many washings for the chemical residues to come out of the fabrics. Once you do quit using them though, you might be amazed at how much you start to notice scents on other things, especially if you use unscented laundry detergents.

This can be due in part to the “sensitizing” effects some of these chemicals possess. In other words our sense of smell can become somewhat dulled by these chemicals along with repeated exposures. Once our exposures are eliminated or reduced, our ability to smell odors can become more acute because our sense of smell is no longer dulled.

After awhile you won’t miss the overpowering smells from standard scented laundry products. If you use good quality products, even smelly clothing will have a clean, fresh scent after washing. You can also add white vinegar or baking soda to the wash if you're concerned about odors.

Many of the chemicals listed below can be harmful to the CNS (Central Nervous System):

CNS illnesses include: Alzheimers, Attention Deficit Disorder,Autism, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Seizures, Strokes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, just to name a few.

Other symptoms of exposure can include: aphasia, blurred vision, disorientation, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, exhaustion or extreme sleepiness, headaches, hunger, irritability, memory loss, twitching, numbness in face or limbs, pain in neck, spine or limbs, including unexplained muscle pains.


CHEMICALS IN FABRIC SOFTENER SHEETS:

Here are just some of the chemicals commonly found in fabric softener sheets and the symptoms they can cause (compiled from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS):

Alpha-Terpineol:

causes CNS (central nervous system disorders), headache, depression. It is highly irritating and to mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat, lungs). Repeated or prolonged skin contact should be avoided.

Benzyl Acetate:

carcinogenic, vapors cause eye and respiratory irritation. Should not be flushed to sewers.

Benzyl Alcohol:

causes CNS disorders, irritates the upper respiratory tract, causes headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and in severe cases: drop in blood pressure, CNS depression and death due to respiratory failure.

Camphor:

local irritant and CNS stimulant, is readily absorbed through body tissues, causes eye, nose and throat irritation, dizziness, confusion, nausea, muscle twitching and convulsions.

Chloroform:

neurotoxic, carcinogenic, anesthetic. Inhalation can be fatal, can cause kidney or liver damage, or aggravate existing medical conditions such as heart and skin disorders. Should not be exposed to heat.

Ethyl Acetate:

narcotic, irritates the eyes and respiratory tract. Can cause headache and narcosis (stupor), anemia with leukocytosis and kidney and liver damage. Hands should be washed thoroughly after handling.

Limonene:

carcinogenic, eye and skin irritant and sensitizer. Do not inhale limonene vapor. Wash thoroughly after using this material especially before eating or drinking.

Linalool:

narcotic, causes CNS disorders and respiratory disturbances.

Pentane:

may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea,vomiting, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness. Can cause skin rashes and eye irritation.

CNS illnesses include: Alzheimers, Attention Deficit Disorder, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Seizures, Strokes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Other symptoms of exposure can include: aphasia, blurred vision, disorientation, confusion, dizziness, fatigue or extreme sleepiness, headaches, hunger, memory loss, numbness in face or limbs, pain in neck, spine or limbs, including muscle pains.


FOR SAFER ALTERNATIVE FABRIC SOFTENERS:

Try Seventh Generation natural unscented fabric softener sheets OR

Baby Fabric Softener (liquid) by Attitude.


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