harmful substances found in many detergents:
1. Surfactants (cleaning agents)
-
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS)
-
Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)
Can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. Toxic to aquatic life.
2. Phosphates
-
Help soften water and boost cleaning power.
Environmentally harmful: cause algal blooms and water pollution.
Largely banned in the U.S. for household detergents, but still present in some industrial and imported products.
3. Optical Brighteners
-
Chemicals that make clothes appear whiter/brighter by absorbing UV light.
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Persistent in the environment.
4. Fragrances
-
Often synthetic (phthalates, limonene, linalool).
Linked to hormone disruption, asthma, and skin allergies.
Can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air.
5. Dyes and Colorants
-
Used mainly for marketing appeal.
Possible allergens and environmental pollutants.
6. Bleaching Agents
-
Sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach), sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach).
Corrosive, can burn skin and eyes.
Toxic when mixed with ammonia or acids (forms chlorine gas).
7. Preservatives
-
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), benzisothiazolinone (BIT).
Potent skin allergens, especially in people with eczema.
8. Petroleum Distillates (Solvents)
-
Sometimes added to dissolve oils.
Can cause neurotoxic effects with long-term exposure.
9. 1,4-Dioxane (contaminant)
-
A byproduct of detergent manufacturing (not usually listed on labels).
Classified as a probable human carcinogen.
Found in trace amounts in some major detergent brands.
| Detergent Type | Probability of Harmful Chemicals | Stain Removal Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap / budget | Not necessarily safer; may use harsher chemicals | Often weaker, but some exceptions (e.g., Kirkland) |
| Expensive / premium | Not always safer; depends on label and formulation | Often strong, but not always best |
| “Gentle” / “Free & Clear” versions | Often safest regardless of cost | Slight trade-off in cleaning power possible |
