Scented laundry products emit hazardous chemicals through dryer vents. The same University of Washington researcher who used chemical sleuthing to deduce what’s in fragranced consumer products now has turned her attention to the scented air wafting from household laundry vents.
“This is an interesting source of pollution because emissions from dryer vents are essentially unregulated and unmonitored,” said lead author Anne Steinemann, a UW professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs. “If they’re coming out of a smokestack or tail pipe, they’re regulated, but if they’re coming out of a dryer vent, they’re not.” The research builds on earlier work that looked at what chemicals are released by laundry products, air fresheners, cleaners, lotions and other fragranced consumer products. Read Full Press Release Here
ARTICLE RESOURCE:
Steinemann, Anne C. Exposure Assessment. Civil and Environmental Engineering and Public Affairs. University of Washington.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Air Fresheners by Anne C. Steinemann, PhD
Creating a Fragrance-Free Zone – A Friendlier Atmosphere for Those Living with Environmental Illness
Fragrance Tidbits Information Sheet
Laundry Products by Anne C. Steinemann
Prevalence of fragrance sensitivity in the American population – Study by Anne C. Steinemann
Radio Interview with Environmental Engineer and Researcher
Study Reveals Unlisted Chemicals in Consumer Products
Why Go Fragrance Free? Millions Report Adverse Reactions to Perfumes and Fragrances