In fact, many of them contain cancer-causing chemicals, as well as other harmful toxins. As a consumer, you should familiarize with some of the common terminology that is often overlooked but may have longer lasting ramifications than ever before thought.

There are some very specific ingredients to watch out for and avoid when you examine the label on laundry detergent. Some of these chemicals have even been banned or restricted due to their noxious side effects.

One such common chemical found in laundry detergent are petroleum distillates, or napthas. Having been linked to cancer, lung damage and/or inflammation, and mucous membrane damage, this is a very harmful chemical.

Along the same lines, another family of harmful chemicals are phenols. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has declared that phenol is toxic to people, especially those who are hypersensitive. The hypersensitive population could experience very dangerous side effects or even death, even at low exposures. Additionally, it can absorb very rapidly, causing toxicity through the whole body.

Should phenol be absorbed into the body, death and toxicity are prone to attack the central nervous system, heart, blood vessels, lungs and kidneys.

Further, another active ingredient in laundry detergent is household bleach, or sodium hypochlorite. Responsible for the majority of household poisonings, this chemical is a forerunner to chlorine.

The results can be even more harmful when it reacts with other organic materials,. Carcinogenic and toxic compounds are created. These have been know to cause disorders or damage to the reproductive system as well as the immune and endocring systems.

With so many disadvantages to using traditional laundry detergents, it s no surprise that consumers are becoming more educated about what it takes to go green and make changes for the better in their own homes and in the world. From fragrance to whiteners, detergents have become increasingly dangerous to use, especially on a regular basis.

Many who have families do laundry on such a frequent basis that these dangers posed by toxins should not go ignored. As the awareness grows for the dangers of the chemicals found in laundry detergents and other similar products, companies will have to shift their focus to a greener, safer line of goods.

In order to reduce the use of these potentially harmful products, alternatives are constantly being developed that aim to be environmentally friendly, and healthier for us.