Cleaning Detergents and Health Risks.
Have you ever wondered how a cup of detergent cleans soiled jeans, towels, socks, and
other articles in your wash, or how cleaning fluid at the dry cleaner whisks away that
grease stain from your suit? And why are hair spray, vinegar, club soda, and baking soda
surprisingly effective dirt and stain removers in an emergency? The answers lie both in
the chemical properties of various types of dirt and stains and in the ways that the
cleaning agents chemically interact with them.
Dirt and stains typically consist of particles, such as minerals from soil, protein and other
organic matter from living things, or bits of black carbon. The particles are trapped on
cloth fibres by grease and oil, which cannot be dissolved in water. Anything that can
loosen the grease and oil from the fibres and disperse these substances in the wash water
or dry-cleaning solution will remove the dirt and stains.
Soaps, detergents, cleaning fluids, and many emergency stain removers are effective
cleaners because they can dissolve, break up and suspend the oil and grease that holds
dirt in place. The grease and trapped soil particles then can be carried away in the water
or dry-cleaning solution. But these agents differ widely in their dirt-fighting activities and
the conditions under which they work. To understand why, we must understand the
chemical nature of soaps and detergents.
The words soap and detergent are often used interchangeably, but the two cleaners differ
considerably. Soaps are generally made from natural fats and oils. Soaps are excellent for
cleaning our hands, face, and body, because the loosened dirt is rinsed away immediately.
But soaps have definite drawbacks for cleaning laundry. For example, soaps often allow
dirt lifted from clothes to redeposit on the clothes before the wash cycle is finished. And
in hard water -water containing high levels of minerals, soaps react with minerals to form
scum, called soap curd. Soap curd does not dissolve. It is difficult to remove from fabrics,
and it makes the fabric feel stiff.
Because of these drawbacks, laundry soaps have largely been replaced by detergents.
Detergents are synthetic /artificial/ mixtures of ingredients that not only clean clothes but
also prevent redeposition of dirt, discourage scum formation, and have other useful
properties. The most important advantage of detergents is the ability to clean effectively
in hard water.
Both soaps and detergents contain cleaning ingredients known as surfactants. Surfactant
compounds are molecules attracted to the boundary between two liquids that normally do
not dissolve in each other, such as oil and water. One end of the surfactant molecule is
attracted to water but not oil, and the other end is attracted to oil but not to water.
This dual nature of surfactant molecules boosts the “wetting” ability of water. This means
that water containing surfactants can more easily penetrate and disperse dirt and stains.
One end of the surfactant molecule dissolves and emulsifies the grease that traps soil
particles on fabrics. The other end dissolves in the surrounding water. As a result of this
action, one portion of the molecule pulls away from the other, and this force pulls the
grease from the clothes and suspends it in the form of tiny droplets. Washing machine
agitation also helps loosen the greasy soil. After the soil droplets are suspended in the
water, the thin layer of surfactant molecules around them keeps them separated from the
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fabric and prevent them from resettling on the clothes. The suspended droplets and the
soil clinging to them are then easily rinsed away by the water.
The same principle enables hair spray to remove ink and certain other stains from clothes.
Some hair sprays contain alcohol, which behaves chemically in a way similar to
surfactants in detergents. One portion of the alcohol molecule penetrates and emulsifies
the oils that hold the ink pigments in place. Another portion of the alcohol molecule
dissolves in the alcohol solvents also found in hair spray. In this way, hair spray loosens
the ink pigments, which can then be removed by conventional laundering with water and
detergents.
Compounds called enzymes enhance the cleaning action of surfactants. Enzymes are
complex molecules made by living organisms. Often called “biological catalysts,”
enzymes promote certain chemical reactions without themselves being changed.
Enzymatic action is similar to digestive juices in the stomach, which break down food in
preparation for digestion in the intestines. Detergent enzymes, made by bacteria in
factory production vats, react with and break up stains that are made of proteins. Such
stains include blood, meat gravy, milk, eggs, and grass. Enzymes break down these
substances into simpler forms that can be removed by other components in the detergent.
Another group of chemical compounds used in detergents are called builders. Builders
typically make up more than half the weight of a box of detergent. Their principal
function is to soften hard water. These chemicals react with and remove from wash water
certain minerals, particularly those containing calcium and magnesium. Such minerals
can react with surfactants to form scums that deposit on clothes and interfere with
cleaning action. Minerals can also promote redeposition of removed soil particles.
Another function of builders is to make the wash water alkaline. Alkali builders are
chemicals that neutralize acids in the water and aid the breakup of oil and fat molecules
by rupturing their chemical bonds. Some builders act as buffering agents to maintain the
proper alkaline level in the wash water.
Because ordinary baking soda contains an alkali—sodium bicarbonate—baking soda is
handy for neutralizing and removing acid stains such as those made by toilet-bowl
cleaners. Because vinegar contains acetic acid, which is mildly acidic, it is useful for
breaking up and dissolving such alkaline stains as hard-water residues. You also could
use club soda on these residues, because it contains weakly acidic carbonic acid, a
compound not found in plain water.
Some builders also boost the action of surfactants. For example, certain builders help
surfactants suspend loosened dirt and keep it from settling back on clothes. Other builders
help surfactants emulsify greasy soil by breaking the oily particles into tiny globules.
In the 1960's, chemicals called phosphates were the most common builders in
detergents. Phosphates remove minerals from hard water by combining with them. The
compound thus formed is then rinsed away with the water after the clothes are washed.
But phosphates in waste water were found to harm the environment. Detergent
phosphates ultimately ended up in streams and lakes, and because phosphates are
nutrients for algae, the chemicals over fertilized the streams and lakes. The result was
excessive growth of algae. Eventually, the abundance of algae clogged streams and lakes,
setting in motion a process that could kill most of the life in the water. Because of this,
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detergent manufacturers drastically reduced the phosphate content of their products and
began using builders that were less harmful to the environment.
Interestingly, there is no relationship between a detergent's sudsing action and its
cleaning ability. Nevertheless, manufacturers may recommend the use of low sudsing
detergents for front-loading tumbler-type washing machines because high levels of suds
would cushion clothes as they drop back into the water after being lifted out in the
tumbling action. Such a cushioning effect would interfere with the machine's washing
action. To appeal to consumers who prefer various amounts of suds, detergent
manufacturers include in their formulas special sudsing modifiers. These compounds are
long-chain molecules, made from natural fats that can either boost or depress levels of
suds made by dissolved detergents.
Bleaches do not remove dirt particles but make them colorless or nearly colorless. Liquid
chlorine bleach is the most powerful of the chemical bleaches used as laundry aids.
Chlorine bleach not only whitens clothes, but also disinfects and deodorizes them. It can,
however, remove colour from clothes.
A less powerful chemical bleach is oxygen bleach. Because it is safe to use on most
fabrics, oxygen bleach is the one most frequently added to detergents. It is also used in
presoak products to aid in cleaning heavily soiled clothes or in helping to remove
stubborn stains before clothes are put through a normal washing machine cycle.
Some presoak products use enzymes, but these require more time to work than do
products using only oxygen bleach. Also, enzyme presoak products should not be used at
the same time as chlorine bleach, because chlorine bleach destroys enzymes. Other
laundry aids also do not remove dirt or stains, yet they can make clothes appear cleaner.
Whiteners, also known as optical bleaches, consist of organic (carbon-containing)
molecules that can absorb invisible forms of light and, through a complex process at the
atomic level, reemit it as visible blue light. Clothes treated with these compounds come
out of a wash looking both brighter and whiter than they did before being washed.
The hydrogen peroxide found in many medicine cabinets for the treatment of wounds
behaves comparably to the bleach we add to washes. When applied to blood stains, for
example, peroxide liberates oxygen atoms, which turns red blood pigments into less
brightly colored stains. Denture cleaning tablets, which contain oxygen in the same form
found in oxygen bleaches, can similarly decolorize stains made by tea and coffee.
Unfortunately, laundry cleaning agents function only in water, a medium that can damage
some natural fabrics, such as silk and wool, which are water-sensitive. When they are
wet, water-sensitive fibers swell in diameter and shorten, causing the garment to shrink.
The most effective way of removing dirt and stains from water-sensitive articles is dry
cleaning. Dry cleaning is a process in which a liquid other than water is used to dissolve
and flush away oil and grease along with underlying soils. The most useful solvents in
dry cleaning are water-insoluble liquids derived from petroleum, particularly a carbon-
and chlorine-containing compound called perchloroethylene. Dry-cleaning solvents,
unlike water-based detergents, do not repel oil and grease molecules. Instead, the solvents
surround and dissolve these molecules. Many commercial dry cleaners also add special
detergents to their solvents to further loosen soil particles.
The surfactant that ordinary soap is composed of is not as strong a surfactant as most of
its synthetic counter parts are. The mixture of synthetic surfactants that we find in the
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usual laundry detergent are able to provide excellent cleaning properties when we use
them in our washing machines.
However, what impact do these chemicals have upon our bodies?
Most clean laundry carries with it traces of the detergent which was used to launder it.
This left over detergent comes in contact with our bodies.
What is the long term effect of this contact?
If you want to be sure that you are using a truly safe and natural laundry detergent use
ordinary soap where you can. Ordinary old fashioned bar soap, or liquid versions which
can be found in health food stores. You can also buy soap flakes. Soap is a plant derived
surfactant which was made by reacting lye (potassium) with oil from plant sources to
create the good old fashioned soap molecules that our grand mothers used. Using
washing soda along with your soap or soap flakes will prevent water hardness from
putting your soap molecules out of work if you have water which is hard.
But upholstery and carpet cleaning techniques do not necessarily completely remove all
traces of cleaning substances from the area, and enzymes which remain in the fibres of
these household items may become air borne and lead to asthma and respiratory allergies
in susceptible individuals.
Green Seal
This label means that the cleaning product has met rigorous health and environmental
standards which include:
1. Non – corrosive to human body
2. Will not cause illness when absorbed or inhaled
3. Does not contain 2-utylehanol, alkylphenol etholxylate, phthalates, heavy metals,
optical brighteners or ozone-depleting compounds
4. Does not contain any ingredient determined by the UN to be mutagenic
5. Does not contain any reproductive toxin
6. Does not contain any known carcinogenic chemical (based on requirements of 5
different agencies)
7. Can not be combustible, and can not contain air pollutants
8. Must perform as well as a conventional product
There have been a few reports in medical literature about patients suffering from severe
body odour after switching their laundry detergent. This is because the new detergents
interact with your sweat and can change your natural skin chemistry
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Consumers have become much more concerned about how the products they use impact
the health. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for even highly educated consumers to find
out just what ingredients are in certain products, and how they might impact the health
and environment.
Take the leading brand laundry detergents. You certainly won’t get a straight answer by
looking at the ingredients label, where you typically find the following cryptic message:
“Ingredients include surfactants (anionic and nonionic) and enzymes.”
We cannot provide you with specific ingredients used in brand laundry detergents, for a
couple reasons. First of all, companies are not required by law to list their ingredients,
and claim that their formulations are confidential. Secondly, the ingredients they use
change periodically, whether due to reformulation or simply the use of alternative
ingredients to reduce costs. However, the following list of ingredients commonly used in
the leading brands, along with a description of how they impact the environment, should
give you a good idea of what’s really inside:
Alkyl benzene sulfonates or ABS also linear alkyl benzene sulfonates or LAS, linear
alkyl sodium sulfonates.
A class of synthetic surfactants (usually identified as “anionic surfactants.”) ABS are
very slow to biodegrade and seldom used. LAS, however, are the most common
surfactants in use. During the manufacturing process, carcinogens and reproductive
toxins such as benzene are released into the environment. While LAS do biodegrade, they
do so slowly and are of low to moderate toxicity. LAS are synthetic. The pure
compounds may cause skin irritation on prolonged contact. Allergic reactions are rare.
Because oleo-based alternatives are available, LAS should not be used.
Alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanols also nonyl phenoxy ethoxylate or nonyl phenol.
This is a general name for a group of synthetic surfactants. They are slow to biodegrade
in the environment and have been implicated in chronic health problems. Researchers in
England have found that in trace amounts they activate estrogen receptors in cells, which
in turn alters the activity of certain genes. For example, in experiments they have been
found to stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells and feminize male fish. One member
of this family of chemicals is used as a common spermicide, indicating the general level
of high biological toxicity associated with these compounds.
Artificial fragrances /smells/
Artificial fragrances are made from petroleum. Many do not degrade in the environment,
and may have toxic effects on both fish and mammals. Additionally, they often can cause
allergies and skin or eye irritation.
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Diethanolamines also diethanolamine, triethanolamine and monoethanolamine.
A synthetic family of surfactants, this group of compounds is used to neutralize acids in
products to make them non-irritating. Diathanolamines are slow to biodegrade and they
react with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the atmosphere to form
nitrosamines, a family of potent carcinogens.
EDTA ethylene-diamino-tetra-acetate.
A class of synthetic, phosphate-alternative compounds used to reduce calcium and
magnesium hardness in water. EDTA is also used to prevent bleaching agents from
becoming active before they're immersed in water and as a foaming stabilizer. EDTA
does not readily biodegrade and once introduced into the general environment can re-
dissolve toxic heavy metals trapped in underwater sediments, allowing them to re-enter
and re-circulate in the food chain.
Optical brighteners
Optical brighteners are a broad classification of many different synthetic chemicals that,
when applied to clothing, convert UV light wavelengths to visible light, thus making
laundered clothes appear "whiter." Their inclusion in any formula does not enhance or
affect the product's performance in any way; they simply trick the eye. Optical
brighteners do not readily biodegrade. They are toxic to fish when washed into the
general environment and can create bacterial mutations. They can cause allergic reaction
when in contact with skin that is then exposed to sunlight. Most optical brighteners are
given trade names which consumers are unlikely to see on a label.
Petroleum distillates also naphthas.
A broad category encompassing almost every type of chemical obtained directly from
petroleum refining process. Any ingredient listed as a "petroleum distillate" or
"naphtha" should be suspect as it is, firstly a synthetic and, secondly, likely to cause
one or more detrimental health or environmental effects.
Phosphates
A key nutrient in ecosystems, phosphates are natural minerals important to the
maintenance of all life. Their role in laundry detergents is to remove hard water minerals
and thus increase the effectiveness of the detergents themselves. They are also a
deflocculating agent; that is, they prevent dirt from settling back onto clothes during
washing. While relatively non-irritating and non-toxic in the environment, they
nonetheless contribute to significant eutrophication of waterways and create unbalanced
ecosystems by fostering dangerously explosive marine plant growth. For these reasons
they are banned or restricted in many states. Products containing phosphates should be
considered unacceptable.
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Note: The major laundry detergent manufacturers no longer use phosphates in their
formulations.
Polycarboxylates
Similar in chemical structure to certain plastics and acrylic compounds, these are
relatively new, synthetic phosphate substitutes. Because they are recent additions to the
consumer product chemical arsenal, however, their effects on human and environmental
health remain largely unknown. Though tests show they are non-toxic, do not interfere
with treatment plant operation and generally settle out with the sludge during water
treatment, until further study and analysis are conducted, use of this ingredient is not
recommended. Further, they are not biodegradable and are petroleum based.
Polyethylene glycol (also PEG).
Another type of anti-redeposition agent, PEG is a polymer made from ethylene oxide and
is similar to some non-ionic detergents. Not considered toxic, it takes large doses to be
lethal in animals. However, PEG is slow to degrade and is synthetic.
Quaternium 15
An alkyl ammonium chloride used as a surfactant, disinfectant and deodorant that
releases formaldehyde, a potent toxin.
Xylene sulfonate
Xylene is a synthetic that, when reacted with sulfuric acid, creates a surfactant. Slow to
biodegrade in the environment and moderately toxic.
Surfactants
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Biodegrade readily to compounds with low
toxicity. Example: Straight carbon chain compounds like linear alcohol ethoxylates or
betaine esters.
Key Characteristics of Concern: Toxicity to aquatic organisms, like fish (vertebrates),
daphnids (invertebrates) and algae; persistence in the environment; toxicity of
biodegradation byproducts.
Example: Alkylphenol ethoxylates--biodegrade under anaerobic conditions to
alkylphenols, which persist in the environment, have high toxicity to aquatic organisms,
and may be endocrine disruptors (compounds that adversely affect the endocrine system
that controls metabolism, reproduction, and growth).
Builders
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low toxicity, low impact on the environment.
Example: Zeolites, also known as aluminosilicates.
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Key Characteristic of Concern: Potential to cause eutrophication in fresh water
eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes rich in dissolved
nutrients, diminishing oxygen levels and a water body's ability to support various forms
of aquatic life.
Example: Inorganic phosphates.
Bleaches
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low toxicity, no toxic by-products. Example:
Hydrogen peroxide or ozone.
Key Characteristics of Concern: Inherent toxicity and toxic by-products.
Examples:
Sodium hypochlorite, which can form hazardous gases and chlorinated organic
byproducts; may also damage fibers in clothing and fabrics, which can lead to the
generation of excess lint, a potential fire hazard during drying; Sodium perborate, which
can present both human health and ecological concerns; and Dichloro-isocyanurate may
form toxic gas, nitrogen-trichloride, a threat to human health.
Colorants
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low toxicity to humans and aquatic organisms.
Minimize colorant use whenever possible.
Key Characteristic of Concern: Toxicity. Studies indicate that certain colorants may
cause cancer or other adverse health effects in humans (e..g., Rhodamine B). Metalized
dyes present health and environmental concerns.
Optical Brighteners
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low toxicity to humans and the environment.
Example: Coumarin derivative,
Key Characteristic of Concern: Potential toxicity to humans.
Examples: Aminotriazine- or stilbene-based whiteners. Toxicity data indicate that these
compounds may cause developmental and reproductive effects.
Solvents
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low toxicity to humans and the environment.
Example: Propylene glycol ethers.
Key Characteristic of Concern: Toxicity to humans and aquatic organisms.
Examples: For human health concerns, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether; for
environmental concerns, d-limonene.
Wash Water
Key characteristics of concern: Highly caustic or acidic wash environments; may cause
severe irritation or burns to living tissue in humans or aquatic organisms.
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Example: High alkaline breaks, low pH sours. Highly alkaline ingredients can lead to
alkaline hydrolysis on polyester fibers, shortening linen life. Extreme pH effluents may
also damage pipes and sewer lines.
Principal chemicals found in scented “nice fresh smell formulas” products are:
ACETONE
Cologne, dishwashing liquid and detergent, nail enamel remover- On EPA, RCRA,
CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. "Inhalation can cause dryness of the mouth and throat;
dizziness, nausea, incoordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, and, in severe exposures,
coma." "Acts primarily as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant."
BENZALDEHYDE
Perfume, cologne, hairspray, laundry bleach, deodorants, detergent, vaseline lotion,
shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, dishwasher detergent) - Narcotic. Sensitizer. "Local
anesthetic, Central Nerve System depressant/ CNS/"... "Irritation to the mouth, throat,
eyes, skin, lungs, and GI tract causing nausea and abdominal pain." "May cause kidney
damage." "Do not use with contact lenses."
BENZYL ACETATE
Perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, dishwashing liquid and
detergent, soap, hairspray, bleach, after shave, deodorants) - Carcinogenic (linked to
pancreatic cancer); "From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting
cough." "In mice: hyperaemia of the lungs." "Can be absorbed through the skin causing
systemic effects." "Do not flush to sewer."
BENZYL ALCOHOL
Perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener!!!!!, laundry bleach
and detergent, Vaseline lotion, deodorants, fabric softener - "irritating to the upper
respiratory tract" ... "headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS
depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure."
CAMPHOR
Perfume, shaving cream, nail enamel, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent, nail color,
stickup air freshener - "local irritant and CNS stimulant" ..."readily absorbed through
body tissues" ..."irritation of eyes, nose and throat" ..."dizziness, confusion, nausea,
twitching muscles and convulsions" "Avoid inhalation of vapors."
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ETHANOL -Denatured
Perfume, hairspray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry
detergent, shaving cream, soap, Vaseline lotion, air fresheners, nail color and remover,
paint and varnish remover - On EPA Hazardous Waste list; symptoms: "...fatigue;
irritating to eyes and upper respiratory tract even in low concentrations..." "Inhalation of
ethanol vapors can have effects similar to those characteristic of ingestion. These include
an initial stimulatory effect followed by drowsiness, impaired vision, ataxia, stupor..."
Causes CNS disorder. Note: this refers to denatured ethanol, which is commonly used in
the cosmetic industry, not to drinking alcohol.
ETHYL ACETATE
After shave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail color, nail enamel remover, fabric softener,
dishwashing liquid) - Narcotic. On EPA Hazardous Waste list; "...irritating to the eyes
and respiratory tract" ..."may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)" ..."defatting effect on
skin and may cause drying and cracking" ..."may cause anemia with leukocytosis and
damage to liver and kidneys" "Wash thoroughly after handling."
LIMONENE
Perfume, cologne, disinfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorants, nail color and
remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, after shave, bleach, paint and
varnish remover) - Carcinogenic. "Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an
irritant and sensitizer." "Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before
eating, drinking, ...applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor."
LINALOOL
Perfume, cologne, bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion, nail enamel remover, hairspray,
laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, Vaseline lotion, air fresheners, bleach powder,
fabric softener, shaving cream, after shave, solid deodorant) - Narcotic. ..."respiratory
disturbances" ... "Attracts bees." "In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor
activity and depression ... development of respiratory disturbances leading to death."
..."depressed frog-heart activity." Causes CNS disorder.
METHYLENE CHLORIDE
Shampoo, cologne, paint and varnish remover - Banned by the FDA /USA/ in 1988! No
enforcement possible due to trade secret laws protecting chemical fragrance industry. On
EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. "Carcinogenic" ..."Absorbed, stored in
body fat, it metabolizes to carbon monoxide, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of the
blood." "Headache, giddiness, stupor, irritability, fatigue, tingling in the limbs." Causes
CNS disorder.
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a-PINENE
Bar and liquid soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorants, dishwashing liquid,
air freshener - Sensitizer -damaging to the immune system.
g-TERPINENE
Cologne, perfume, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, air freshener - "Causes asthma and
CNS disorders."
a-TERPINEOL
Perfume, cologne, laundry detergent, bleach powder, laundry bleach, fabric softener,
stickup air freshener, Vaseline lotion, cologne, soap, hairspray, after shave, roll-on
deodorant) - ..."highly irritating to mucous membranes"... "Aspiration into the lungs can
produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema." Can also cause "excitement, ataxia (loss of
muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache."
"Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact."
1,8-cineole
Is the same thing as eucalyptol (eucalyptus oil), which is a well known porphyria-
inducing chemical. Malaleuca oil (tea tree oil) contains the same ingredient, and has been
observed to cause severe central nervous system symptoms in pets and small children.
Eucalyptol is also called limonene oxide. Actually, limonene (d-limonene) is not a skin
irritant until it undergoes oxidation (probably to the eucalyptol/cineole form of limonene
oxide). For this reason you are supposed to store limonene in air-tight containers in the
dark.
Relevant Facts:
95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum.
They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics and
sensitizers - capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders
and allergic reactions. Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace, Report by the
Committee on Science & Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986.
(Report 99-827)
Central Nervous System disorders (brain and spine) include Multiple Sclerosis,
Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Chloroform was found in tests of fabric softeners.
A room containing an air freshener had high levels of p-dichlorobenzene (a carcinogen)
and ethanol: EPA's study.
An FDA /USA/ old analysis (1968-1972) of 138 compounds used in cosmetics that most
frequently involved adverse reactions, identified five chemicals (alpha-terpineol, benzyl
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acetate, benzyl alcohol, limonene and linalool) that are among the 20 most commonly
used in the 31 fragrance products tested by the EPA in 1991! What’s we can expect in
products today!
Thirty-three million individuals of 200 mil population suffer from sinusitis (inflammation
or infection of sinus passages).
Ten million of the same citizens have asthma. Asthma and asthma deaths have increased
over 30% in the past 10 years.
Headaches cost $50 billion in lost productivity and medical expenses and 157 million lost
work days in single year. /"Focus on Fragrance and Health," by Louise Kosta, The
Human Ecologist, Fall 1992. /
As usually I do offer solution and help.
At first you have to manage how to make soaps as I do not believe you will find them
easy in healthy shop. Bar soaps from India or China can be worse as there is no real
control what chemicals can be in products. All is driven by business system “profit for
any price”!
At first you have to learn how to make natural soap.
Home made soaps:
Making soap at home is a rewarding and fun activity. Although it may seem daunting at
first, if taken step by step, you will find it is no more difficult than baking a cake. Once
you have mastered the few skills needed, you will be able to whip up a batch in an hour
or so and will never have to use store-bought soap again. You will also have wonderful
gifts for friends.
Soap is a result of a chemical reaction that occurs when fat and sodium hydroxide/
diluted solution of corrosive substance/ are mixed together. You do not have to
understand why this reaction occurs nor will you be asked to explain it later. Be happy
that it does work and that you can take all the credit for this nifty little exercise in better
living through chemistry.
There was a time when home-made soap had a rather poor reputation because it was
invariably made from lard (not a recommended fat choice) and caustic soda/sodium
hydroxide- wood ash, lye, red devil-….. of uncertain strength. The resulting product was
smelly, harsh, and often left a nasty and persistent rash after use. This soap was made
only to save money, using the cheapest ingredients available. Today, it is possible to
make exceptional soaps in your kitchen, using exotic ingredients, easily obtainable at
local shops or through the mail. Once you have mastered the few simple skills required,
you will never again feel tempted.
Castile soap is one of the simplest fine soaps to make. It requires only three ingredients,
two of which can be found in the grocery store, and tap water. This recipe produces a
mild soap that lathers lavishly and does not leave your skin feeling tight. Cocoa butter
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can be added for super-fatting, and essential oils for scenting, and, while not absolutely
necessary, both are easy to find and add greatly to your finished product.
This recipe was carefully developed so that it is not necessary to handle the caustic soda
very much. Please follow the recipe exactly and do not make any substitutions. If you do
this, you will make wonderful soap the first time you try.
Before you begin, you will need to assemble a few simple tools and your ingredients. The
key word here is "non-reactive" so every thing will have to be either stainless steel, glass,
plastic, or wood. NEVER use aluminium or cracked enamel pots for soap!
You will need:
A stainless steel or enamelled /is best/ pot large enough to hold all the ingredients
A glass container for the caustic soda
Something to stir the soap and caustic soda with, wood is good for soap, heavy-duty
plastic is best.
A plastic-lined box or storage container to mold the soap
A meat thermometer for the fat and a candy thermometer for the soap solution
Castile Soap
340 g of Sodium Hydroxide /Caustic Soda/ sold in any hardware store in 1 kg bottles
1000 ml of cold tap water
1360 g of olive oil, soya, sunflower, vegetable, …….any
THE METHOD:
Wear goggles, gloves, respirator-mask and open window! Put glass jar with cold water
to sink add COLD water to sink for cooling glass jar during dilution of Caustic soda
crystals add 340 g of crystals you weight to separate container /the whole bottle with
crystals has to be put back to storage place immediately after separating needed
quantity/ and add weighted quantity /340 g/ of crystals very slowly to COLD water in
jar, stirring with a sturdy plastic spoon to aid in dissolving the crystals. This is a VERY
caustic /corrosive and HOT reaction solution, please be careful. No children, pets,
hysteric husband / wife should be around you. Once you get past this bit, the rest is
relatively hazard-free.
While the caustic soda solution is cooling in the sink, put all the fat and olive oil in your
non-reactive soap pot and heat gently until it reaches about 37*C on the meat
thermometer, then try to keep it at this temperature. In the meantime, the lye will have
cooled somewhat and you will be able to hasten this by setting the container in cool
water. Your objective is to get the solution of caustic soda and fat to the same
temperature of approximately 37*C. Do use a glass candy thermometer to check the
temperature of the caustic soda solution. Don't be obsessive about it.
When the optimum temperature is reached, slowly begin pouring the caustic soda
solution into the fat, stirring all the time- use of hand like stick/bar looking blender saves
you a lot of time.
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/ see detailed instructions on best homemade soap page:
http://www.millersoap.com/soapproc.html#Stick Blender/
Please don't slop the caustic soda solution onto your skin, take your time and work
carefully. Once the caustic soda solution is thoroughly combined with the fat, you should
no longer have to worry about accidentally burning yourself. It is soap. Continue to stir
this mixture for 20 minutes to an hour, / with hand blender 5 min./ until you can see a
trace on the surface when you drag the spoon across it. Once you see this happen, you
will always recognize it. Formation of the trace indicates that saponification has begun.
Once you see the trace, it means that the caustic soda solution and fat are being combined
chemically into a new compound, soap. Heat is a result of all chemical reactions and you
will notice that the temperature of your soap pot has increased. This is good! One of the
secrets of making easy and perfect soap is to allow the reaction to exhaust itself so that all
the caustic soda solution is combined into the soap. If the saucepan is allowed to cool
down too fast, you will still have soap, but the un-combined caustic soda solution will
precipitate out as a film of caustic soda crystals on the surface of the bar when is has
cured for some time. You can choose to keep the reaction going or deal with it later. The
best solution is to keep it going until all the caustic soda is absorbed by fat.
If you make your soap on a warm sunny day, cover the pot and wrap it in a black plastic
bag. Set the pot in the sun for several hours. If this is not practical, cover the pot and
place in the oven at the lowest temperature setting and leave the door little open. Try to
keep the saucepan at about 50*C for several hours.
If you skip this step, you will have to shave off the free caustic soda dust before using the
soap. Otherwise, you will burn your skin. French milling is another solution and involves
grating the hard soap, adding water, and re-cooking it. Both of these solutions require
extra steps later and are easier to avoid by allowing the reaction to exhaust naturally.
When you are satisfied that the reaction is complete it is time to add any super-fatting
ingredients such as cocoa butter or extra olive oil and essential oils for scent. If you are
using cocoa butter, melt it first and then stir it into the soap along with the fragrance oils.
As the soap will be very warm now, stir for awhile until it thickens and you can see the
trace again. Pour the soap into the previously prepared mold -containers, cover with a lid
and wrap it with blankets. You want the soap to cool very slowly so put it in a warm and
protected spot.
The next day, you can uncover your new soap and inspect it. It should be firm and glossy
on top. Castile soap gets very hard, so you will want to cut it into smaller bars while it is
still soft enough to cut without shattering. Allow these small bars to cure for about 30
days before using. This is the most difficult part of soap making, waiting for it to cure
before the first use. Be patient and remember, soap gets better with age, as long as it is
kept dry it will continue to improve. Soap does not spoil.
Olive oil comes in many grades. For soap making, the least expensive grade, pure or
pomace is preferred. It is actually easier to use and is much cheaper.
Manufacture of soft soaps
The saponification of fats with KOH- potasium hydroxide is used to prepare the
corresponding "potassium soaps," which are softer than the more common sodium
hydroxide-derived soaps. Because of their softness and greater solubility, potassium
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soaps require less water to liquefy, and can thus contain more cleaning agent than
liquefied sodium soaps.
For further recipes, detailed instructions look on Internet:
http://www.millersoap.com/index.html
Please never use artificial chemicals that are in many recipes, use only natural
ingrediences, other ways you can go to any shop and buy soaps full of artificial
chemicals.
Caustic soda -Sodium Hydroxide was made by burning hard wood and ash used to make
soaps in past centuries.
Various usage of Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye and caustic soda. It is
used in many industries, mostly as a strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and
paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents and as a drain cleaner.
Sodium hydroxide is produced (along with chlorine and hydrogen) via the chloralkali
process. This involves the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride. The
sodium hydroxide builds up at the cathode, where water is reduced to hydrogen gas and
hydroxide ion. Sodium hydroxide is traditionally used in soap making (cold process soap,
saponification).It was made in the nineteenth century for a hard surface rather than liquid
product because it was easier to store. Food industry uses of sodium hydroxide include
washing or chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables, chocolate and cocoa processing,
caramel coloring production, poultry scalding, soft drink processing, and thickening ice
cream. Olives are often soaked in sodium hydroxide to soften them, while pretzels and
German lye rolls are glazed with a sodium hydroxide solution before baking to make
them crisp.
Specific foods processed with sodium hydroxide include:
The Pinoy or Filipino kakanin called kutsinta have lye to jellify the kutsinta.
Also the Filipino kakanin called pitsi-pitsi or pichi-pichi (pit-chi-pit-chi) also have
a small amount of lye.
The Scandinavian delicacy known as lutefisk (from lutfisk, "lye fish").
Hominy is dried maize (corn) kernels reconstituted by soaking in lye-water. These
expand considerably in size and may be further processed by frying to make corn
nuts or by drying and grinding to make grits. Nixtamal is similar, but uses calcium
hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide.
Sodium hydroxide is also the chemical that causes gelling of egg whites in the
production of Century eggs.
German pretzels are poached in a cold sodium hydroxide solution before baking,
which contributes to their unique crust.
Most yellow coloured Chinese noodles are made with lye-water but are
commonly mistaken for containing egg.
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Sodium hydroxide has been used as a relaxer to straighten hair. However, because of
the high incidence and intensity of chemical burns, sodium hydroxide relaxers are
still available, used mostly by professionals in hair sallons.
Sodium hydroxide is used in the home as a drain cleaning agent for clearing clogged
drains. It is distributed as a dry crystal or as a thick liquid gel.
Solid sodium hydroxide or solutions of sodium hydroxide will cause chemical burns,
permanent injury or scarring, and blindness if it contacts unprotected human or
animal tissue. Protective equipment such as rubber gloves, safety clothing and
eye protection should always be used when handling the material or its solutions.
Dissolution of sodium hydroxide is highly exothermic, /producing heat/ and the
resulting heat may cause heat burns or ignite flammable materials.
Do you feel now to eat supermarket, restaurant or gurman “fine dellicatesse” food?
This is only one chemical used in various industries! There are thousands of others - a
mixture never nobody tested in relation to only one day chemical exposure to human
body. Are you surprise you are only alergic? This is not a panic creating news, it is
reality of today’s life!
Here is list of different homemade laundry detergent recipes.
At the time we had a relative who was in trade school. Every day he was greased from
head to toe–the clothes cleaned up nice by homemade laundry detergent!
Washing Soda and Borax can normally be found in the laundry and cleaning aisles.
Some people with really hard water or well water may have to adjust the recipes if the
clothes look dingy.
Although several of the recipes have the same ingredients, the measurements are
different–some contain a higher soap to water ratio. Test and see which works best for
your laundry needs.
You can make huge drums of this at once, or smaller quantities. Also if you can get your
hands on a few empty liquid laundry detergent bottles they work great for storing the
detergent. Just make a big batch and pour in bottles, cap then use as needed–shake before
use.
10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes:
Laundry -liquid gels:
Recipe 1.
1000 ml of Hot Water (boiling)
500 ml Bar soap (shredded)
500 ml of Borax
500 ml of Washing Soda
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Add finely shredded bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can
keep on low heat until soap is melted.
Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir
well until all is dissolved.
Add 7500 ml of water, stir until well mixed.
Cover barrel and use 50 ml cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use
it (will gel).
Recipe 2.
1000 ml of Hot water
250 ml of Washing Soda
125 ml of Borax
1 Soap bar /200g/
Shred bar soap and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over medium-low heat
until soap dissolves and is melted.
Fill a 7500ml / 7,5 L / barrel half full of hot water. Add the melted soap, borax and
Washing soda, stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the barrel up with more hot
water.
Use 250 ml cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).
Recipe 3.
1000 ml of Hot Water
125 ml of Washing Soda
125ml of Borax
75 ml of bar Soap (shredded)
In a large saucepan -barrel, heat 1500 ml of water. Add the shredded bar soap and stir
until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then
remove from heat.
In a 7500 ml /7,5 Litres/ clean barrel, pour 1000ml of hot water and add the heated soap
mixture. Fill barrel with cold water and stir well.
Use 250ml cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).
Recipe 4.
1000 ml of Hot water
125 g of Ivory Soap – shredded
250 ml of Washing Soda
In a large saucepan add shredded soap and enough hot water to cover. Heat over medium-
low heat and stir until soap is melted.
Fill a large pail with 7500 ml of hot water, add hot soap mixture. Stir until well mixed.
Then add the washing soda, again stirring until well mixed.
Set aside to cool.
Use 125 ml cup per full load of washing machine, stirring well before each use (will gel)
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Recipe 5.
1000 ml of Hot Water
200g of shredded soap bar
200 ml of Washing Soda
200 ml of Borax
40 ml of Glycerin
Melt bar soap over medium-low heat topped with water, stir until soap is melted.
In a large pail, pour 9500 ml of hot water, add melted soap mixture, washing soda, borax
and glycerin. Mix well.
Use 125 ml cup per full washing machine load.
Recipe 6.
1000ml of Hot water
500ml of shredded Bar soap
500 ml of Washing Soda
Melt shredded soap in saucepan with water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir
until soap is dissolved.
Pour 7500-9500 ml of hot water in large barrel, add hot soap and washing soda. Stir very
well.
Use 250 ml per full load.
Recipe 7.
1000 ml of Hot water
200g shredded bar Soap
500ml Baking soda -yes baking soda this time–not washing soda.
Melt shredded soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low
heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted.
In a large barrel, pour 9500ml of hot water. Add melted soap, stir well.
Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
Use 125 ml per full load, 250 ml per very soiled cloth load.
Powdered Laundry Detergents
Recipe 1.
500 ml of bar Soap (finely shreded – you could also try the other bar soaps listed at the
top)
250 ml of Washing Soda
250 ml of Borax
Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
Use 2 tablespoons - 30 ml per full load.
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Recipe 2.
3000 ml of Borax
1900ml of Baking Soda
1900 ml of Washing Soda
1900 ml of Bar soap (shredded)
Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.
Use 40 ml of powder per full load.
Recipe 3.
250 ml of Vinegar (white)
250 ml of Baking Soda
250 ml of Washing Soda
60 ml of liquid castile soap
Mix well and store in sealed container.
I find it easiest to pour the liquid soap into the bowl first, stirred in the washing soda, then
baking soda, then added the vinegar in small batches at a time (the recipe foams up at
first). The mixture is a thick paste at first that will break down into a heavy powdered
detergent, just keep mixing. There may be some hard lumps, try to break them down
when mixing (it really helps to make sure the baking soda isn’t clumpy when first
adding). Use 125 ml per full load with great results.
Liquid Detergents Note:
Soap will be gel-like. This is normal. Just give it a good stir before using. Make sure
laundry detergent is covered with a lid when not in use.
Optional you can add between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil ( per 9,5 Litres ) to your
homemade laundry detergent. Add once the soap has cooled to room temperature. Stir
well and cover.
Essential oil ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil
FAQ:
How do you shred soap?
I use a handheld cheese grater but you can also use a food processor (just make sure you
clean it well after use). Shred soap first before adding to a food processor and chop until
fine.
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How long can homemade laundry detergent be stored for?
The powdered version seems to last forever, but I have no exact expiry date to advice.
The liquid detergent also lasts a long time, but will thicken up over time. It was also
suggested in the comments area that bacteria may grow in the detergent if it’s stored too
long. Use always up to 6 month.
Aren’t Washing Soda & Borax Caustic? Poisonous? Are they safe to handle?
As with all soaps and cleaners, common sense is needed when handling soaps and
detergents–homemade laundry detergent ingredients are not excluded from this. Going
against dire, dire warnings about how dangerous Borax and Washing Soda are to the skin,
I handled all ingredients with bare hands and experienced no burns and all flesh is still
intact. If I had small cuts or scrapes on my skin, my experience may have been different.
To be safe you may wish to use rubber gloves. Avoid breathing in any of the powders and
ingredients. I imagine breathing in a mouthful of commercial laundry detergent, or
getting it in my eyes or up my nose, would be very uncomfortable and unwise, the same
goes for homemade detergent ingredients. It goes without saying: Don’t eat it to find out
if it’s poisonous or not. And of course: Keep this out of reach of children just like you
would for any other cleaner, detergent or soap.
Can Homemade Laundry Detergent be used in cold water instead of hot?
Sure it can. If you notice clothes don’t come out as clean as you’d like, try a laundry
booster such as vinegar.
Can Homemade Laundry Detergent be used for washing baby clothes & diapers?
Avoid fabric softeners and products that contain dyes and perfumes, and keep an eye out
for signs of an allergic reaction. Before washing any garment for the first time, read the
care label. Baby sleepwear, in particular, often needs special care because it is required
by law to be flame-resistant, /chemicals added to fibres/ and some soaps can hinder
flame resistance. You may want to wash the baby's clothes separately from the rest of the
family's, but this isn't necessary, as long as you use a mild soap. If you prefer not to use
chemicals on baby's clothes, try these natural options suggested by Annie Berthold-Bond
in "Clean and Green" (Ceres Press, 1994). Be sure to rinse the clothes thoroughly as most
of washing machines do not rinse properly use twice rinsing cycle. Keep these and all
household products out of the reach of children
Will Homemade Laundry Detergent fade dark coloured clothing?
I have noticed no fading or damage to clothing. I’ve laundered work clothes, everyday
clothes and office attire in homemade detergents.
Freshly laundered clothes smell like Nothing!
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Can you add essential oils for fragrance to homemade detergent? If so, how much do I
add?
Essential oils are a nice touch to homemade detergents -freshly laundered clothes really
don’t have any nice fragrance added with homemade detergent. How much you add
depends on how strong the fragrance is that you’ve chosen and what laundry detergent
recipe you are using. Experiment for yourself to see what you like best. You can add
between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil 9500 ml to your homemade laundry detergent.
Is there a Soap residue on clothes after washing with homemade detergent?
I haven’t noticed it but if you do, here are a couple things you can try: Increase the water
amount, decrease the load size or decrease the detergent used per wash. You can also try
a vinegar rinse add vinegar during the rinse cycle.
Why aren’t there any suds in the water when I use homemade detergent?
Homemade detergents are low sudsing, you won’t see many suds in the wash. No
worries, this is normal and your clothes will still come out clean.
After mixing ingredients together, the detergent smells really strong & foul–what’s
wrong?
The brand of soap bar you used is likely causing a chemical reaction with the other
ingredients. Use home made soap bars.
Not *any* Laundry detergents should be used in the garden. Detergents are not the same
as soap and can damage plants. You should always make sure the soap container actually
says “soap” on the label before using it in the garden.
Just some clarification for those of you asking about washing soda and borax and the
safety of handling them. Borax is harmless to the skin and is non-toxic if swallowed-
HOWEVER borax is a violent laxative if ingested. That means violent on both ends. You
should try to avoid breathing it in as it will irritate the respiratory tract. Borax is a
common ingredient in children’s “slime” and putty like toys (allows for gelling).
Washing soda (ash) is irritating to the skin and should not be handled excessively without
wearing some simple household gloves, respiratory mask and goggles. When mixed with
water if produces carbonic acid which can cause mild burns on some people’s skin.
Contrary to what some have said it is not the same as baking soda and is not safe to be
ingested. Washing soda may irritate the respiratory tract considerably if the powder is
inhaled. Just because ingredients are naturally occurring (which both borax and soda are)
does not make them harmless (a classic example being poison ivy).
The main siding ingredient in shops detergents is sodium lauryl sulfate. As a powder it is
extremely caustic and if inhaled will damage the respiratory tract as it kills live cells and
splits open their membranes. It is more toxic than both borax and washing soda and yet
we rub it all over our bodies every day in shampoos, soaps and detergents.
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Handle the ingredients with the caution that you would any household cleaner and keep
them out of reach of small children and pets. Keep in mind that people were washing
their clothes by hand using these ingredients for centuries before commercial
detergent was even invented. When in doubt, wear gloves!
I am a materials scientist and I work for a pharmaceuticals company. I hope this helps
clarify the issue for those of you who were asking!
Borax:
Borax pentahydrate /sodium borate/ is a white odourless, powdered substance that is not
flammable, combustible, or explosive, and has low acute oral and dermal toxicity.
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Inhalation is the most significant route of exposure in occupational and other settings.
Dermal exposure is not usually a concern because borax pentahydrate is poorly absorbed
through intact skin.
INHALATION
Occasional mild irritation effects to nose and throat may occur from inhalation of borax
pentahydrate dusts at levels greater than 10 mg/m3.
EYE CONTACT
Borax pentahydrate is a mild eye irritant.
SKIN CONTACT
Borax pentahydrate does not cause irritation to intact skin.
INGESTION
Products containing borax pentahydrate are notintended for ingestion. Borax
pentahydrate has low acute toxicity. Small amounts (e.g. a teaspoonful) swallowed
accidentally are not likely to cause effects; swallowing amounts larger than that may
cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
REPRODUCTIVE/DEVELOPMENTAL
Animal ingestion studies in several species, at high doses, indicate that borates cause
reproductive and developmental effects. A human study of occupational exposure to
borate dust showed no adverse effect on reproduction.
POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Large amounts of borax pentahydrate can be harmful to plants and other species.
Therefore releases to the environment should be minimised.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
Symptoms of accidental over-exposure to borax pentahydrate have been associated with
ingestion or absorption through large areas of damaged skin. These may include nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhoea, with delayed effects of skin redness and peeling
I hope you enjoy this article and good luck with cooking your detergents!
Ladi
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