Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments, 1991 reference: Lance Wallace, EPA; Phone 703.648.4287 and Polar Organic Compounds in Fragrances of Consumer Products Symptoms of exposure are taken from industry-generated Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Compiled by Julia Kendall who died from chemical poisoning

(1935 - 1997)

Fabric Softeners and your health

Alpha-terpineol -- Causes Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders... "highly irritating to mucus 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.

" BENZYL ACETATE -- 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 -- Causes CNS disorders. "...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 -- Causes CNS disorders. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. Symptoms: "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.

CHLOROFORM -- Neurotoxic. Anesthetic. Carcinogenic. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. "Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing. Do not breathe vapors... Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness." "Inhalation can be fatal." "Chronic effects of overexposure may include kidney and/or liver damage." "Medical conditions generally aggravated by exposure: kidney disorders, liver disorders, heart disorders, skin disorders." "Conditions to avoid: HEAT..." Listed on California's Proposition 65.

ETHYL ACETATE -- Narcotic. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. "...irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract"..."may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)"..."may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys" "Wash thoroughly after handling.

" LIMONENE -- 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 -- Narcotic. Causes DNS disorders...."respiratory disturbances"... "Attracts bees." "In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression... depressed heart activity... development of respiratory disturbances leading to death.

" PENTANE -- "Danger -- Harmful if inhaled; extremely flammable. Keep away from heat? Avoid breathing vapor." "Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness. Repeated inhalation of vapors may cause central nervous system depression. Contact can cause eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis (skin rash).

" Can Fabric Softeners Make You Sick?

Exposure can result from the outgassing of vented dryers or from treated fabrics (e.g., clothes, sheets, towels), which are in close proximity or from your own clothing if the softeners are used in your home. Have you been enjoying a walk in the neighborhood and found you have suddenly felt agitated or disturbed without realizing why? Do you get a numb feeling in the side of your face -- and the doctors can't find the reason? Do you get a sudden onset of dizziness or a headache? Asthma? Allergies? So who needs ill health?

Fabric softeners, like other fragrant products, contain petrochemicals, used in untested combination. These chemicals can adversely affect the central nervous system (CNS) -- your brain and spine. CNS exposure symptoms include: aphasia, blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, headaches, hunger, memory loss, numbness in face, pain in neck and spine. CNS disorders include: Alzheimer's Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Dementia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Seizures, Strokes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), learning and focus disabilities, agitation and anger. Are fabric softeners (liquid or sheets) used in your home? Do you want to make a difference? Doctors can request MSDS of the chemicals in them. If made ill by fabric softener used provide a description of your symptoms. If you suffer symptoms from exposures to fabric softeners -- are you heavy headed, lightheaded or fatigued or just angry; then do something and do not accept ill health.

Telephone 1-800-638-2772; press 1; press 999 -- to file an official complaint with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Should you want to file a report on a hazardous product emphasize central nervous system disorder symptoms.

Allergic symptoms are not given priority in Commission investigations. Please have everyone you know who reacts to fabric softeners call. The tally will be useful in TO MAKE A CHANGE. Call the Air Quality Management and the Air Resources agencies in your area. File a complaint. Request the boards consider the issue of scented fabric softeners in dryer exhausts as a factor in outdoor air pollution -- fragrance products are made with petrochemicals used in untested combinations.

Feel free to copy and post, just please credit Julia Kendall. This has been copied by nonscentedtoxicfree.com

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YOUR DOCTOR CAN REQUEST MATERIAL SAFETY DATA and REQUEST FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE CONTENTS IN YOUR PRODUCT INCLUDING INERT MATERIALS. A doctor may request full Information by citing the code 29 CFR1910.1200 and 1910.20. The OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION AND ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS STANDARDS ALLOWING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ACCESS TO TRADE SECRET INFORMATION. Ask your doctor to take a stand for you.

So, who’s at fault here? If it’s a fragrance or cosmetic, it falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Ken Giles of the Consumer Product Safety Commission writes in an e-mail. If it’s a household cleaning product, Giles’ agency handles it. And the EPA’s “Glossary of Household Products with Hazards from A to Z” is on at www.epa.gov.

Some of what you will find:

*Bleach. It’s a strong corrosive that can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract; vapors can cause fluid in the lungs which can lead to coma or death. (Note: Never mix bleach with ammonia or other acids, even vinegar. It causes deadly fumes.)

*Air fresheners. Many contain formaldehyde, a carcinogen. Some contain phenol, small amounts of which can cause cold sweats, convulsions, circulatory collapse, coma and, in extreme cases, death. Most air fresheners work by either masking the one scent with another or by interfering with your ability to smell by releasing a nerve-deadening agent.

*Carpet and upholstery shampoos. Some contain perchloroethyene, a known carcinogen that can damage the liver, kidneys and various systems.

*Furniture polish. Many contain nitrobenzene, a chemical that is easily absorbed through the skin. Repeated exposure can cause genetic changes, birth defects, cancer, liver, kidney, heart and central nervous system damage.