Household Spotlight - Formaldehyde in Your Fabric Softener?

 

Did you know?   (I didn't)  

That long-lasting fresh smell in your fabric softener may be toxic to your family.  Formaldehyde is one of the key components of that long-lasting smell.

Here's what the National Institute of Health's National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov) has to say about formaldehyde:

Key Points

• Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used in building materials and to produce many household products.
• Formaldehyde sources in the home include pressed-wood products, cigarette smoke, and fuel-burning appliances.
• When exposed to formaldehyde, some individuals may experience various short-term effects.
• Formaldehyde has been classified as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Research studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde have suggested an association between formaldehyde exposure and several cancers, including nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.

So how do you get that long-lasting fresh smell without the harmful side-effects?  Here's what we'll be using in our household.   We have been big fans of this manufacturer for almost two decades and are excited that they continue to come up with safer, more effective solutions year in and year out.

What do you use in your home?  Will this information cause you to make changes?