Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Can Fabric Softeners Pollute Indoor Air? Pulmonologist Explains the Health Impact

While India already is battling with <span>pollution</span>, and several studies have also shown the increase in indoor pollution, with the National Institute of Health linking over four million deaths across the world due to this. Now, social media is buzzed with the claims that fabric softeners are causing indoor pollution. 

Dr Manas Mengar, consultant in pulmonology at KIMS Hospital, Thane, told <em>The Indian Express </em>that there is growing evidence that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in scented fabric softeners can irritate the airways. “Chemicals like acetaldehyde or benzene can trigger coughing, watery eyes, headaches, or shortness of breath in sensitive individuals. Long-term exposure, especially in closed spaces, may increase the risk of chronic respiratory irritation. People with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities are particularly at risk,” said Dr Mengar.

VOCs released during the rinse and drying process can accumulate in indoor air and can cause subtle, but noticeable reactions. The doctor explained: "While most people overlook these symptoms, repeated exposure can worsen respiratory conditions or trigger allergies over time."

Dr Mengar explains: “Adding a half-cup of white vinegar or baking soda during the rinse cycle can soften clothes naturally. Wool dryer balls or homemade dryer sheets also work well. Choosing fragrance-free detergents and keeping laundry areas well-ventilated can help lower indoor air pollution."

Doctor points out that families with children and pets need to be more careful, as they have smaller lung capacity and breathe faster. This means they are inhaling more VOCs as compared to the adults. "Families with asthma or other respiratory issues should be cautious and consider avoiding scented products altogether," the doctor explains. 

He also suggests switching to natural and fragrance-free laundry options to ensure good ventilation while washing and drying.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/apart-from-rising-aqi-indoor-pollution-could-also-be-quietly-damaging-your-lungs-heres-how-article-153144695" data-type="tilCustomLink">Apart From Rising AQI, Indoor Pollution Could Also Be Quietly Damaging Your Lungs- Here's How</a> 

<h2>What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?</h2>

As per the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOC are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. They are also industrial solvents, or by-products produced by chlorination in water treatment. 

US EPA notes on the adverse health impacts by VOCs: "Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions."

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While India already is battling with pollution, and several studies have also shown the increase in indoor pollution, with the National Institute of Health linking over four million deaths across the world due to this. Now, social media is buzzed with the claims that fabric softeners are causing indoor pollution. Dr Manas Mengar, consultant in pulmonology at KIMS Hospital, Thane, told The Indian Express that there is growing evidence that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in scented fabric softeners can irritate the airways. “Chemicals like acetaldehyde or benzene can trigger coughing, watery eyes, headaches, or shortness of breath in sensitive individuals. Long-term exposure, especially in closed spaces, may increase the risk of chronic respiratory irritation. People with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities are particularly at risk,” said Dr Mengar.VOCs released during the rinse and drying process can accumulate in indoor air and can cause subtle, but noticeable reactions. The doctor explained: "While most people overlook these symptoms, repeated exposure can worsen respiratory conditions or trigger allergies over time."What Could Be The Alternative?Dr Mengar explains: “Adding a half-cup of white vinegar or baking soda during the rinse cycle can soften clothes naturally. Wool dryer balls or homemade dryer sheets also work well. Choosing fragrance-free detergents and keeping laundry areas well-ventilated can help lower indoor air pollution."Doctor points out that families with children and pets need to be more careful, as they have smaller lung capacity and breathe faster. This means they are inhaling more VOCs as compared to the adults. "Families with asthma or other respiratory issues should be cautious and consider avoiding scented products altogether," the doctor explains. He also suggests switching to natural and fragrance-free laundry options to ensure good ventilation while washing and drying.Also Read: Apart From Rising AQI, Indoor Pollution Could Also Be Quietly Damaging Your Lungs- Here's How What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?As per the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOC are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. They are also industrial solvents, or by-products produced by chlorination in water treatment. US EPA notes on the adverse health impacts by VOCs: "Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions."