Ban toxic chemicals from laundry products.
Many people love the fragrance in laundry products because it makes their clothes seem clean and fresh. However, the chemicals used to create the fragrance can have a toxic health impact ranging from skin, throat and lung irritation to carcinogenicity. Fabric softeners are also designed to stay in clothes and not fully rinse out, which means lingering chemicals come into contact with skin where they can be absorbed into the body.
Laundry detergents are often derived from petrochemicals and contain synthetic fragrances, even when advertised as “fragrance-free.” Research has identified more than 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted through dryer vents when scented laundry detergent and dryer sheets are used, including seven VOCs classified as hazardous air pollutants. These synthetic fragrance chemicals can make the laundry room and the air venting from your dryer toxic for household residents, your neighbours and the environment.
Petrochemical pollution not just found in oil pipelines and fossil fuels. Protect your health and the environment.
We ask that Health Canada Consumer Product Safety fully research all chemicals found in laundry detergents and fabric softners, both liquid and sheets, and determine their health risk and safety for the Canadian public and environment.
We ask to be formed about the toxicity and safety of these chemicals and that any found to be presenting a health risk to Canadians such as, children, people living with asthma, autoimmune illness and/or chemical sensitivity, be banned from further use.
