Q It's spring, and I'd like to be outside, but the air often smells of dryer sheets. That smell makes me feel sick. What chemicals are in dryer sheets?
A A host of chemicals are in dryer sheets. They're what make the sheets do what they do; eliminate static cling, soften and perfume your clothes.
Knowing exactly which chemicals are in a dryer sheet, and if they present a health hazard, is difficult because manufacturers aren't required to list all the ingredients in their products. However, some of the chemicals in dryer sheets may be considered toxic, ranging from eye and throat irritants to carcinogens. But dose often determines the danger. A little exposure can be harmless and problems may only occur if a chemical is ingested or inhaled. Also, you are experiencing the problem outdoors, and a better ventilated place is hard to find.
There are no studies on the effect of exposure to dryer sheets, but because the fumes affect you, try to avoid them. You could be becoming sensitive to one or more ingredients in fragrance, which is an increasingly common complaint.
If you can't easily avoid the smells, consider having a friendly conversation with the neighbor who uses the dryer sheets. Describe your problem and offer your neighbor a box of dryer sheets -- unscented.
Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears everyday except Friday.
