Commercial laundry detergents were long notorious for the toxic carcinogens sometimes found in them. Few purchasers of laundry detergent know everything they’re getting. Sadly, some of the most common commercial laundry detergents may be exposing users to cancer-causing chemicals every time that a wash is done or that the clothes washed are being worn.
The best way to avoid exposure to these cancer-causing chemicals in commercial laundry detergent is knowing what they are. The first of our five common carcinogens in laundry detergent is 4-dioxane which is usually used quite heavily in these products. 4-dioxane has been studied extensively and many researchers continue to argue that it has strong links to cancer.
Then, there is nonylphenol ethoxylate which is a common chemical found in commercial laundry detergent and all-purpose cleaners. Nonylphenol ethoxylate accumulates in the environment and is known to have a negative impact on marine life. As an endocrine disruptor, this chemical is also known to mimic estrogen. Individuals who are prone to breast cancer and/or other estrogen-linked cancers should stay away. Nonylphenol ethoxylate, for these reasons, has already been banned by the European Union (EU).
There are also artificial colouring which the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified as potentially cancer-causing. The artificial colours used in laundry detergent may contain 4-methylimidazole, imidazole, 2-methylimidazole, and furan – each of these have links to causing cancer. Then, there are the chemicals used to stabilize the product, which are appropriately titled ‘stabilizers’. These pose a low to moderate cancer risk, which can be manipulated according to type of stabilizer used and its quantity. Lastly, there is alcohol ethoxylates which the EWG argues has ‘some risk’ of cancer when used in high concentrations.
If you are not sure whether your commercial laundry detergent contains these chemicals, check the container or visit online. There are several environmental sites that have done extensive studies into common carcinogens in laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaners, and similar cleaning supplies. In all likelihood, the information is out there somewhere as to whether your specific cleaner passes the test.
It does bear noting that some of these carcinogens can be difficult to avoid in the manufacturing of a quality commercial laundry detergent. As a matter of fact, many of the commercial laundry detergents that claim to be ‘free and clear’, ‘gentle’, or ‘scent-free’ are just as bad as there less branded alternatives.
Though it is unfortunate to say, even some of the most environmentally sustainable products can come back with negative ratings as it pertains to carcinogens. That said, there are a number of products out there that do make the effort to at least limit carcinogens in laundry detergent. These are more than worth looking into. As the experts in commercial cleaning supplies, we strongly believe the future of commercial cleaning supplies is very much tied to the rise of natural cleaning products and supplies.
For the healthiest, most natural commercial laundry detergents, it might take some research to find however the rewards are more than worth it. Protect the workers who are using these cleaning products on a daily basis and, in terms of detergent, protect those who are wearing clothes and/or coming into contact with items that have undergone the detergent washing process.
