A particularly harmful component, or what are phosphates in washing powder?
Any washing powder is a multi-component composition that contains substances designed to improve the quality of washing.
However, purity is sometimes achieved to the detriment of human health, since some chemistry has a negative effect on the body.
One of these questionable components in laundry detergent is phosphates. Read the article about what these substances are, why they are needed in washing powder and why they are dangerous.
Content
What are they and why are they added?
Phosphates are represented by compounds of mineral phosphorus, oxygen and hydrogen. These substances belong to the class of salts that are formed during the chemical reaction of phosphoric acid with other components.
The main effects that can be achieved through their inclusion in the composition powder:
hard water becomes soft;- Surfactants penetrate fibers more easily;
- contaminants washed away from the surface of things no longer settle on them;
- Mineral deposits are better washed out of fabric fibers;
- stains with a fatty component are washed off well;
- The quality of washing is improved by breaking large particles of dirt into small ones.
Phosphates can be found not only in powders, but also in food products, where they act as stabilizers and acidity regulators.However, household chemicals use unrefined compounds that contain impurities of harmful components.
What is their harm to humans?
Phosphates can harm human health. First of all, they pose a danger to the skin, as they disrupt its natural acid-base balance.
This causes:
- dermatitis,
- hives,
- itching,
- rashes and inflammatory reactions.
In addition, regular contact with phosphates poses the following problems:
- Decreased hemoglobin levels in the blood.
- Disorders of the liver and kidneys.
- Increased risk of developing cancer.
- General intoxication of the body.
- Metabolic failure.
It is not for nothing that European countries introduced strict restrictions on the use of phosphates in household chemicals back in 2010.
What are the environmental hazards?
The widespread use of washing powders with phosphates harms the environment. Due to imperfect sewer systems, soapy water ends up in natural water bodies.
Their oversaturation with phosphorus leads to water blooms and an increase in the number of cyanobacteria, which are sources of toxins. Toxic substances cause massive fish deaths and poisoning among animals and people.
The accumulation of biomass in the upper layers of water prevents the penetration of sunlight. As a result, the flora growing at the bottom of rivers and lakes stops its growth and development. The fish and other microorganisms that feed on it suffer from hunger, and their numbers gradually decrease.
Phosphates cause enormous harm to the environment. You need to remember this when buying another pack of washing powder.
How do you know if your laundry detergent contains them?
All manufacturers that produce washing powders are required to indicate information about its composition on the packaging. By reading the label, you can determine whether phosphates are present in the detergent you choose.
Phosphate-free compounds: features of choice
To choose a washing powder that does not contain harmful components, you need to carefully study its composition. This is easy to do both when purchasing in a store and when purchasing the product online.
List of phosphate-free powders:
Cleantown. The product is based on natural ingredients, so its use does not cause skin irritation and does not lead to the development of allergic reactions. Price – 280 rubles.- Attack. This product is from a Japanese manufacturer, does not contain chlorine and phosphates, washes things well and is economical. Price – 480 rubles.
- Bio-Mio. This powder from a Russian manufacturer, which is economically consumed, belongs to the class of biodegradable products and contains natural ingredients. Price – 440 rubles.
A list of phosphate-free washing powders for washing children's clothes is presented in this article.
The composition and purpose of the components of washing powder are discussed in given section.
Conclusion
Phosphates are harmful components that are present in most washing powders. If possible, you should avoid using such household chemicals. This is the only way to maintain health and also make a tangible contribution to the environment.
And we recently discovered not only a fabric conditioner, but also a balm for dishes, fruits, vegetables and baby supplies from the company Vilavi, analogues of which do not contain phosphates, toxic preservatives and SLS things.
And we have been using faberllic phosphate-free washing powders for decades now, including hundreds of thousands of our customers. By the way, the price is the same as regular washing. powders sold in supermarkets.
We actively recommend and advocate that you stop using conventional phosphate washes. powders. phosphate washes powders are prohibited not only in European countries, but also in Japan, the USA, Canada...
I would like to add to the list of phosphate-free laundry detergents using Prosept products. This is a St. Petersburg manufacturer of professional cleaning products. It is not often found in retail stores, but there are many offers in online stores.