It’s not uncommon these days to browse online and see claims that yet another common household item causes cancer.
The latest culprits? The fabric softener and dryer sheets you reach for while doing laundry.
But the science behind the viral claims that these staples expose people to chemicals linked to cancer is a bit more nuanced.
Dryer sheets or liquid softeners used to freshen fabrics won’t directly cause illness, as they don’t intentionally contain active ingredients known to be carcinogens.
Rather, certain ingredients in these products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can be harmful under certain conditions and have short- and long-term health risks.
Namely, consumers should keep an eye out for fragrance ingredients, impurities or manufacturing byproducts.
A study from 2011 and one from 2016 found that dryer vents emitted VOCs when fragranced laundry products were used.
Two of the emissions identified, acetaldehyde and benzene, are classified as carcinogenic hazardous air pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency.
However, further research wasn’t conducted to determine if the emissions cause cancer in people.
Other items may contain blends of VOCs, including phthalates and benzyl acetate, which is often used for a floral scent.
Phthalates have been shown to disrupt endocrines, or natural hormones like estrogen and testosterone, potentially causing reproductive, neurological or developmental issues.
A review of studies also suggests that compounds in scented products — such as phthalates and parabens — have possible links to health concerns like cancer.
However, more research is needed to better understand those links.
Manufacturers may also group multiple chemicals under the name “fragrance” or “perfume” on labels, resulting in unintentional exposure to harmful chemical mixtures.
Unlike detergents, which wash out, softeners are designed to stay in clothing, increasing exposure in two ways: inhalation of the vapors and skin absorption as clothes and bedding make contact with skin.
While there isn’t strong evidence directly linking dryer sheets and fabric softeners to cancer, there could still be some risk.
But experts warn risk factor when using certain laundry products depends on several factors, such as frequency, dose and duration of exposure.
“But because fragrance-related emissions aren’t always obvious from the label, many experts recommend minimizing unnecessary fragrance exposure when practical,” Dr. Krushangi Patel, a medical oncologist at City of Hope, told Parade.
