Health warning to people buying washing powder

Households have been alerted to the environmental impact and health risks associated with using washing powder in their machines. Environmental specialists are raising concerns about two destructive ingredients present in laundry detergents: phosphates and surfactants.

Both elements, they say, can devastate wildlife and contaminate watercourses, and they’re found in both types of products, biological and non-biological alike.

The environmental consequences every time a load of laundry is run become significant as these chemicals are often discharged into waterways, where many escape filtration and contribute to pollution levels. Additionally, there’s a potential threat to human well-being as some of these chemicals could be detrimental to health.

An environment-focused platform, We Are Dip.co.uk, highlights the issue, saying: “Laundry detergents, both bio vs non bio detergent, are staples in our daily routines, but their environmental impact cannot be overlooked.”

It continues by stressing the dangers of conventional detergents: “Traditional detergents, laden with harmful chemicals, such as phosphates and surfactants, pose a significant threat to our ecosystems,” reports the Express.

The site further reveals that these hazardous substances inevitably make their way into aquatic environments: “Our findings show that these substances, when washed away, find their way into water bodies, leading to pollution and endangering aquatic life.”

Moreover, the platform links the detergent additives to broader ecological disturbances: “Chemicals found in detergents, such as phosphates, have been linked to a process called eutrophication.

“This phenomenon involves the excessive growth of algae due to nutrient-rich conditions, often caused by phosphates entering water bodies. As algae proliferate, they consume oxygen, leading to oxygen depletion in aquatic environments. This jeopardises the survival of aquatic species by disrupting the delicate balance of underwater ecosystems.”

Laundry specialists at Kind Laundry have highlighted that these chemicals are not only detrimental to marine life but can also impact human health, with a long list of problematic additives.

They said: “Laundry detergent is far more than just a basic cleansing soap. It contains a huge number of harmful chemicals that have a serious impact on our environment.

“Some of the most concerning ones are: Phosphates – linked to cardiovascular (heart) disease as well as osteoporosis. These toxins are particularly damaging to the marine environment when dispersed in wastewater from your wash.

“Bleach – often used to brighten whites, its toxic fumes cause respiratory distress and on contact with skin and eyes it is able to cause caustic burns. Formaldehyde – A chemical usually associated with the preservation of dead bodies. This toxic ingredient, as classified by the EPA, is a class B1 probable carcinogen.

“This means it has been linked with an increased risk of cancer. Ammonium Sulfate and Ammonium Quaternary Sanitizers – harsh cleansing agents that are corrosive and toxic.

“They can cause eye, skin and lung damage even with minimal exposure. Dioxane (1,4 Dioxane/Diethylene Dioxide/Diethylene Ether/Dioxan) is potentially one of the most harmful additives.

“Not only is Dioxane a carcinogen, but it also poses a risk of combustion. Exposure to this toxin can harm your kidneys, lungs, central nervous system, eyes, skin and respiratory function.”

In light of these concerns, households are being encouraged to consider the impact their laundry habits may have on both themselves and the environment, and to switch to phosphate-free products, use less detergent, and opt for natural cleaning agents like vinegar or baking soda.

Just Green Organic said: “Efforts are underway to reduce phosphate use in household detergents but other harmful chemicals remain.

“You can reduce your household’s impact on water systems by choosing biodegradable and phosphate-free products. Additionally, using smaller amounts of detergent and adopting natural cleaning agents like vinegar or baking soda can further minimise harm.”