In the cleaning spotlight 2
In this post we will be looking at what lurks in your washing powders and liquids. We are specifically looking at Ariel, however the majority of washing powders and liquids will contain the same ingredients.
Interestingly, Ariel list the ingredients on their website, feel free to have a look (http://www.ariel.co.uk/en-gb/about-ariel/innovation/laundrypedia-ingredients). However, what they fail to mention is the effects these ingredients can have on our health.
Our old friend makes an appearance:
2 aminoethanol
Regular readers of this blog will recongise this ingredient. It's also known as Ethanolamine. It's a corrosive chemical that can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes. Breathing it can irritate the nose, throat and lungs. It also causes skin rashes.
Potential damage to the liver and kidneys and to the nervous system, and probably most alarming of all is that it can potentially disturb the development of an embryo or fetus.
How do you think it is described on the Ariel website? Maybe a line about the potential dangers? No. This is the description:
"An organic amine and primary alcohol used as a solvent and a weak base (maintains the pH balance in your laundry)."
Note the use of the word organic. Gives the impression that there's something quite natural about it doesn't it?
So what else lurks in your everyday washing powder?
Polyethylene Glycols
Described as follows:
"A polyether compound used for many things, including as a lubricant and surfactant."
Once again the wording would make us believe that all is fine, after all it is used in many things. So it must be ok, mustn't it?
In a word, NO!
These compounds, commonly knows as PEG compounds, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, brain and central nervous system cancer, neoplasms of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue, and Hodgkin's disease.
But hey, at least your whites will be whiter than white.
There are over 23 different chemical ingredients in Ariel washing powders and liquids. We have only looked at two of them. We could carry on through the list and tell you the dangers of the other chemicals, however we would like to think that by now you are seriously thinking twice about your next washing powder purchase.
Please share this blog with your friends and family. There are alternatives available. Eco washing powders don't have to be expensive. We offer an Eco washing powder with just four natural ingredients, that works just as well as anything on the market.
Interested? You can buy our washing powder online, click here
