Dryer sheets, with their promise of fresh-smelling, soft, and wrinkle-free clothes, have become a staple in many laundry routines. Their comforting scent is often synonymous with cleanliness. However, beneath this pleasant exterior, hidden dangers might impact human health and the environment.¹ Let’s uncover what these dangers might be and what alternatives you can consider.

What Lurks Behind the Fragrance?

Despite their allure, dryer sheets might not be as benign as they seem. Behind the images of blossoms and flowers on their boxes, they could contain chemicals harmful to humans and the environment.¹ These can range from carcinogens and pollutants to endocrine disruptors and other harmful substances.² The concern is that manufacturers aren’t mandated to disclose all the ingredients, especially those used in fragrances.³

Even more alarming is that the effects of these chemicals might not be confined to your home. They can permeate the air and water systems, potentially impacting the wider community.⁴

The Alarming Composition of Dryer Sheets

The lack of transparency in ingredient listing has prompted researchers to probe deeper. Studies led by Professor Anne Steinemann found numerous hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from dryer vents.⁵ Notable among these were acetaldehyde and benzene, both harmful even in minimal amounts.⁶

The Health Implications

The presence of these chemicals raises serious health concerns. For instance, acetaldehyde, often found in fragrances, can be potentially carcinogenic and affect various bodily systems.⁷ People have reported symptoms like respiratory issues, migraines, and skin problems linked to scented laundry products.⁸

Steinemann’s research also highlighted the environmental impact, equating acetaldehyde emissions from some dryer sheets to nearly 6% of car emissions.⁹ A few concerning stats include:

• 44% of scented laundry products tested emitted at least one carcinogenic hazardous air pollutant.¹⁰
• Synthetic fragrances in these products have been linked to migraines and asthma attacks.¹¹
• Animal studies show that fabric softeners can cause pulmonary irritation and reduce airflow.¹²
• Reports of irritation due to dryer vent fragrances increased between 2009 and 2016.¹³
• Some dryer sheets are found to have compounds that might induce asthma attacks.¹⁴
• There are even compounds in these products harmful to wildlife.¹⁵

Opting for Safer Alternatives

The good news is that there are safer options than traditional dryer sheets. White vinegar in the rinse cycle can act as a natural fabric softener. For those who want unscented products, several plant-based laundry detergents are available.

Moreover, drying clothes outside is eco-friendly and eliminates the need for dryer sheets. Another viable option is wool dryer balls with essential oils, offering a natural fragrance.¹⁶ However, it’s necessary to be cautious even with green products, as they might still release harmful compounds.¹⁷

In Conclusion

Dryer sheets, while convenient, may pose health and environmental risks. Given the increasing number of people reporting health symptoms related to dryer emissions, it’s high time to consider safer, eco-friendly alternatives.

References:

1. Dodson, Robin E et al. “Endocrine disruptors and asthma-associated chemicals in consumer products.” Environmental health perspectives vol. 120,7 (2012): 935-43. doi:10.1289/ehp.1104052
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/dryer-sheets-toxicity#ingredients
3.  Potera, Carol. “Scented products emit a bouquet of VOCs.” Environmental health perspectives vol. 119,1 (2011): A16. doi:10.1289/ehp.119-a16
4.  “Fragrance.” Safe Cosmetics, 15 July 2022, www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/fragrance/.
5.  Steinemann, Anne. “Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions.” Air quality, atmosphere, & health vol. 9,8 (2016): 861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-z
6.  “Scented Laundry Products Emit Hazardous Chemicals through Dryer Vents.” UW News, www.washington.edu/news/2011/08/24/scented-laundry-products-emit-hazardous-chemicals-through-dryer-vents/.
7.  Potera, Carol. “Scented products emit a bouquet of VOCs.” Environmental health perspectives vol. 119,1 (2011): A16. doi:10.1289/ehp.119-a16
8.  Kessler, Rebecca. “Dryer vents: an overlooked source of pollution?.” Environmental health perspectives vol. 119,11 (2011): A474-5. doi:10.1289/ehp.119-a474a
9. Anderson, R C, and J H Anderson. “Respiratory toxicity of fabric softener emissions.” Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A vol. 60,2 (2000): 121-36. doi:10.1080/009841000156538
10. Caress, Stanley M, and Anne C Steinemann. “Prevalence of fragrance sensitivity in the American population.” Journal of environmental health vol. 71,7 (2009): 46-50.
11. Dodson, Robin E et al. “Endocrine disruptors and asthma-associated chemicals in consumer products.” Environmental health perspectives vol. 120,7 (2012): 935-43. doi:10.1289/ehp.1104052
12. “EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.” EWG, www.ewg.org/guides/substance_groups/39-Quaternaryammoniumcompounds/.