Your Laundry Detergents Are a Slow Poison, Warns Cancer Doctor, Here’s What to Switch To

While you may feel satisfied after washing your laundry, assuming the detergents and cleaners used are completely safe, they may have hidden chemicals that slowly affect your health, disrupt hormones, and increase the risk of serious illnesses, like cancer. “Your laundry may be leaving behind more than just a fresh scent. A few everyday detergents hide things most people never notice,” Dr Tarang Krishna, a leading oncologist, said on social media. “The daily detergents and cleaners you use could pose serious health risks, including cancer,” warns Dr Krishna on Instagram. “Many of the products we use on our clothes and around our homes, which we assume are safe and keep our surroundings clean, actually contain hidden chemicals that can slowly act like a slow poison

in the body,” he added. According to Dr Krishna, fresh fragrances in detergents often mask harmful phthalates, which disrupt hormonal balance over time. “Some detergents may also contain formaldehyde and even benzene, substances that can irritate the respiratory system, lead to bronchitis, and significantly increase the risk of cancer,” he added.

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What are potential carcinogens in detergents?

Several ingredients are found in conventional laundry products, which are a big cause of concern, including:

Phthalates

Doctors say they are mostly hidden under the term fragrance because of trade secret laws, and are endocrine disruptors associated with an increased risk of breast and other hormone-related cancers.

1,4-Dioxane

It is a byproduct of the manufacturing process of some surfactants, which is not an intentional ingredient, so it often does not appear on labels. According to the US. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has it as a reasonably anticipated human carcinogen.

Formaldehyde

Used as a preservative and antibacterial agent, formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and can be found in both liquid and powder forms.

Benzene

It irritates the respiratory system and is an IARC Group 1 carcinogen, even though it is linked more with occupational exposure or as a trace element in some products.

What changes can you make?

Dr Krishna, who has over 20 years of experience, explains ways to spot safer alternatives and protect yourself and your family. “And these silent ingredients could be affecting your home more than you think. Before the next wash cycle, you’ll want to see this. Small choices can make a big difference,” he said on Instagram. You can use natural and safer alternatives, which include herbal cleaners, which are ideal as they can be used with just water and avoid exposing yourself and your family to harmful chemicals. “Stay mindful of the products you bring into your home and prioritise safety for yourself and your loved ones,” he advises.