Dermatological and Other Health Problems Attributed by Consumers to Contact With Laundry Products

As part of an Agricultural Experiment Station U.S. Western regional project, this article reports consumer perceptions of dermatological and other health problems resulting from contact with laundry products or laundered textiles. The objectives are to (a) assess the percentage of the population who perceive these health problems and analyze the relationship between these problems and the respondents' demographics, (b) identify laundry products implicated by afflicted individuals, and (c) assess the specific health problems and how consumers seek relief from these problems. Information from a self-administered questionnaire mailed to a disproportionate stratified random sample of households in five Western U.S. states provided baseline data on the existence of dermatological and other health problems perceived to be attributed to laundry product use. Skin irritation perceived to be caused by laundry products was reported by 26% of 3,841 respondents, and perceptions of allergies to laundry products were reported by 21% of the respondents. These problems were experienced more often by females than males and more often by children, age 1 through 20, than other age groups. In follow-up telephone interviews with afflicted consumers, detergents caused the most health problems. Skin irritation, especially on the arms, was the most common health problem. Individuals typically discontinued use of laundry products that they suspected caused their problems.