Toxic Chemicals Hiding in your Laundry Room

• Water Pollution: Phthalates are not easily biodegradable. This means they can accumulate and contaminate in rivers, lakes and oceans after being washed down the drain. 
• Toxic to Aquatic Life: Just like phthalates disrupt the hormones in humans, they also have the potential to disrupt the hormones of aquatic organisms, impairing reproduction and development in fish and amphibians.
• Soil Contamination: Phthalates can accumulate in the sludge from wastewater treatment plants and then spread to agricultural soils, impacting soil health and crop production over time.
• Bioaccumulation: What does that mean? It is a process by which chemicals build up or accumulate and become more concentrated over time in animals, plants and even humans. Although phthalates break down slowly, they can accumulate in animals and enter the food chain, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and human health.

• Endocrine Disruption: Phthalates can interfere with our hormones, leading to reproductive issues and even developmental delays.
• Respiratory Problems: When we breathe in phthalate residues from scented fabrics that have synthetic fragrances this may trigger asthma or other respiratory symptoms, especially in sensitive individuals.
• Potential Carcinogenic Effects: That means - the potential to cause cancer.  Some studies suggest links between phthalate exposure and increased cancer risk.
• Impact on Infants and Children: Young children, who may be sensitive to chemical exposure, may experience developmental delays and behavioral disorders linked to phthalates

• It’s pretty simple really, you can either use fragrance free detergents or if you prefer scented detergents stick to those that contain naturally derived fragrances that do not contain phthalates found in fragrances made with synthetic chemicals.
• Miss April Cleans uses naturally derived fragrances that are not overpowering. We do not use phthalates in our products.

• Beyond health concerns, bleach is damaging to the environment, as it can accumulate and harm aquatic life.

• While effective at whitening, bleach is harmful to your health, potentially causing skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, asthma, migraines, and even cancer with long-term exposure. I
• Bleach can also be absorbed through the skin, leading to pain and inflammation.

• It’s best to avoid products with toxic optical brighteners and bleach.
• Miss April Cleans products avoid toxic optical brighteners/bleach and use safe, non-chlorine bleach alternatives to brighten your clothes.

• 1,4-Dioxane is difficult to remove from wastewater because it dissolves easily in water and is not biodegradable.  That means, it can seep into drinking water supplies, posing a significant risk to our health and the environment.  It accumulates over time and threatens aquatic ecosystems, which adversely impacts both wildlife and water quality. 

• Carcinogenic Potential: Long-term exposure to 1,4-dioxane has been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer, particularly liver and nasal tumors, as evidenced in animal studies.
• Skin and Eye Irritation: Direct contact with products containing trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane can cause irritation to the skin and eyes.
• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of vapors may lead to respiratory discomfort, coughing, and throat irritation.
• Liver and Kidney Damage: Chronic exposure has been associated with liver and kidney toxicity, affecting the body's ability to detoxify properly.
• Bioaccumulation Concerns: Since it is water-soluble and persistent, 1,4-dioxane can accumulate in the environment, posing long-term risks to aquatic ecosystems.

• To reduce exposure to 1,4-dioxane, consumers can look for products labeled “No 1,4-dioxane"  - Like Miss April Cleans Laundry Detergent Sheets.
• In 2023, New York State banned four popular laundry detergents for containing high levels of the cancer causing agent 1,4-dioxane.  The detergents affected by the ban included:

1. Arm & Hammer Clean Burst
2. Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear
3. Tide Original
4. Gain Original + Aroma Boost

• These detergents contained over 3 parts per million (ppm) of 1,4-dioxane, exceeding the state’s legal limit of 2 ppm. By the end of 2023, this limit will tighten further to 1 ppm. The new regulations are part of efforts to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals linked to cancer. markets.businessinsider.com 96.9 WOUR
• Don’t be fooled by the names of these detergents such as;  Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear that markets itself for sensitive skin and persuades consumers into thinking they are buying the “gentle”,  “safe” option for laundry detergent. But in reality it still failed compliance due to the presence of this chemical, illustrating the issue of greenwashing—this is where brands use eco-friendly claims while still containing toxic substances. We do NOT do that at Miss April Cleans. We prefer to be transparent with our customers The Healthy Harlem World Magazine
• If you're looking to avoid these dangerous contaminants, it's essential to look beyond labels such as "free & clear" and instead check for products that specifically state they are free of 1,4-dioxane,  or say No 1,4-dioxane  on the packaging, or avoid ethoxylated ingredients, which we know are often the source of the contaminant.  It’s simple  - make the switch to Miss April Cleans where we leave out ethoxylated ingredients and avoid these dangerous chemicals.

In addition to the health risks, formaldehyde's environmental footprint is concerning:

• Water Pollution: Residues of detergents containing formaldehyde can enter wastewater systems. Although water treatment plants can remove some pollutants, formaldehyde and its byproducts may persist in the environment.
• Aquatic Toxicity: Formaldehyde is toxic to aquatic life, harming fish and other organisms even at low concentrations.
• Air Pollution: Formaldehyde emissions from detergents contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Formaldehyde is part of the broader class of VOCs, which degrade air quality and contribute to smog formation.

• Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions: Even low levels of exposure can cause rashes, itching, and dermatitis, particularly in people with sensitive skin.
• Respiratory Issues: Formaldehyde fumes can trigger respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and asthma, especially in individuals prone to asthma or respiratory conditions.
• Carcinogenic Potential: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. Long-term exposure has been linked to certain cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.
• Eye, Nose, and Throat Irritation: Fumes released from detergent residues during washing or drying may irritate mucous membranes, causing burning sensations in the eyes and throat.

• It’s best to avoid all laundry detergents that contain formaldehyde. Miss April Cleans products are formulated without formaldehyde or its derivatives, ensuring they are safer for both human health and the environment.

• Aquatic Toxicity: NPEs break down slowly in the environment, and their presence in wastewater affects aquatic ecosystems by disrupting the reproductive systems of fish and other organisms.
• Persistent Pollutant: Nonylphenol does not degrade easily and accumulates in rivers, lakes, and oceans, impacting ecosystems over time.

EU Ban vs. U.S. Regulation

• EU Ban:
  
  In 2003, the European Union banned the use of NPEs in laundry detergents and other cleaning products due to their high toxicity and persistence in the environment. The ban is part of its broader commitment to protect ecosystems and public health by restricting hazardous chemicals.
• United States Status:
  
  Despite known risks, NPEs are still found in some U.S. laundry detergents and other cleaning products. Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has worked with manufacturers to voluntarily phase out NPEs in certain applications, these chemicals remain unregulated at the federal level for consumer products. The phase-out has mostly focused on industrial uses, leaving some consumer detergents containing NPEs on the market. 
  

In the U.S. there is a lack of comprehensive legislation, unlike the EU, where chemical safety regulations are much stricter.  Unfortunately, the U.S. lacks a unified framework that mandates the removal of harmful chemicals from all consumer products.  Miss April Cleans should be Miss April Cares as we make sure our products are without harmful chemicals to protect your health and the environment.

• Endocrine Disruption: NPEs and their degradation products (NPs) mimic estrogen, disrupting hormonal systems in humans and animals.
• Developmental and Reproductive Harm: Studies have linked NPE exposure to fertility issues, developmental delays, and reproductive health concerns in animals, suggesting similar risks in humans.
• Bioaccumulation: Once absorbed through the skin or ingested through water or food, nonylphenols accumulate in tissues, posing long-term health risks.

Consumers can reduce exposure to NPEs by:

• Reading Labels Carefully: Look for products labeled “NPE-free” or those certified by eco-friendly organizations. 
• Choosing Safer Alternatives: Use detergents from brands that disclose ingredients and avoid known toxic substances.
• Advocating for Stricter Regulations: Supporting initiatives and policies aimed at banning harmful chemicals in consumer products can promote change at the legislative level.

In other words use Miss April Cleans products!

• Persistence in the Environment: PFAS are highly resistant to breakdown, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” They accumulate in soil, water, and wildlife.
• Water Contamination: PFAS are commonly found in wastewater, rivers, and drinking water sources, where they remain toxic even at low concentrations.
• Toxic to Wildlife: These chemicals impact aquatic ecosystems by accumulating in fish and other animals, disrupting reproductive systems, and entering the food chain.
• Air Pollution: PFAS also release toxic particles into the atmosphere during manufacturing and product disposal, contributing to air quality degradation

PFAS chemicals accumulate in the body over time and are linked to several health risks:

• Hormonal Disruption: PFAS interfere with endocrine function, disrupting the body's hormonal balance.
• Cancer Risk: Long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds has been associated with cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer.
• Immune System Suppression: PFAS exposure can reduce the immune system's effectiveness, potentially impairing vaccine responses.
• Developmental Issues: PFAS can negatively impact fetal development, leading to low birth weight, delayed growth, and developmental delays in children.
• Liver and Kidney Damage: PFAS accumulate in the liver and kidneys, potentially leading to organ dysfunction over time.

Consumers looking to avoid PFAS exposure can:

• Look for “PFAS-free” labels 
• Select transparent brands that disclose all ingredients and avoid known hazardous substances.
• Support regulations aimed at banning or limiting PFAS in consumer goods to encourage safer alternatives.

By choosing PFAS-free products like Miss April Cleans, you reduce the risk of chemical exposure while helping protect the environment from long-term pollution. 

Miss April Cleans products avoid PFAS entirely, reflecting a commitment to safer, non-toxic cleaning solutions that prioritize both consumer health and environmental safety. Unlike conventional detergents that rely on PFAS for performance, Miss April Cleans uses natural, biodegradable ingredients that:

• Effectively remove stains without compromising safety.
• Pose no risk of chemical buildup on fabrics or in the environment.
• Support eco-friendly cleaning, reducing pollution and environmental harm.

Often found in stain removers that can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems upon exposure.

While surfactants help to break down dirt and stains, many conventional laundry detergents contain ones that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Some surfactants may also contribute to allergies or asthma. Miss April Cleans only uses plant-based surfactants that have been shown to be safe.

These chemicals are toxic to aquatic life.

A skin irritant that can cause contact dermatitis and may have damaging effects on the nervous system.

Also known as borates (aka boric acid, sodium borate and disodium tetraborate), which may cause reproductive and developmental problems.

These compounds can trigger allergies and asthma. The fragrances used in dryer sheets can also contribute to indoor air pollution.