Re: Detergent enzyme problem

[Guest guest]

Gil,

We have been using All-Free for years, no enzymes or fragrance. There are a

few other brands.

I believe that manufacturers switched to liquid for precisely that reason

(aerosolization)to reduce the cost of dust controls in manufacturing.

(Initially, Proctor and Gamble experienced an almost 50% occupational asthma

rate.)

Unfortunately, a significant source of exposure may take place regardless of

liquid or powder use, as some folks end up with lots of enzyme residue on

the fabric (and in the lint that they breathe in from clothing and sheets).

Dryer hose leaks or venting a dryer indoors can also be a source of lint

exposure.

If you use excessive detergent, large loads and do not use high temp to dry

(which denatures much of the enzyme) you can have a big problem, as I have

experienced in some homes.

The extent of exposure to residual enzyme on lint in different families can

be very different even if using the same detergent.

I did an experiment with our ALL lint which I found completely " neutral " and

non-irritating. I added some subtilisin (from dissolved contact lens

cleaning tablets) and could not tolerate the lint at all.

C. May, M.A., CIAQP

May Indoor Air Investigations LLC

1522 Cambridge Street

Cambridge, MA 02139

617-354-1055

www.mayindoorair.com

www.myhouseiskillingme.com

>Gil Vice writes:

>Hi Jeff,

>Good advice, but hard to follow, since enzymes are in nearly all laundry

>detergents. Simpler, but possibly significant, is that an irritant or >allergen

can only do its harm if airborne. Pouring powder detergent right >in front of

your face is the easiest way to breathe these harmful >materials. Liquid

detergents do not aerosolize when carefully poured. In >addition, powders are

sold in boxes, from which perfumes (and maybe >enzymes) may permeate into the

air. Liquid is sold in impermeable plastic >bottles, meaning there may be a

problem only when the bottle is open.

>(Notice how bad you react in the grocery detergent aisle around boxed

>detergents, but not liquids.)

>Hot water can help aerosolize perfumes and other detergent components. If

>anyone is experiencing problems with detergents, try using warm or cold >water,

not hot.

>Gil