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In the US, consumers spend around $700 million a year keeping their fabrics soft. In the UK
people spend £200 million a year on fabric softener. A giant manufacturer even claims a massive
50 percent share of the market. Despite the popularity, fabric softeners can be harmful to both the
people who use them and the marine life that ends up swimming in them.
Fabric softening surfactants can be derived from animals, plants or minerals, as in the case of
newer, silicone-based formulations. There is little difference between the chemicals used in
fabric softeners and those used in hair conditioners. Whatever they are based on, all fabric
softeners work in pretty much the same way, by depositing these surfactants onto the fabric to
make it feel softer, reduce static cling, and impart a fresh fragrance.
Special fixatives in the mix of both standard and luxury conditioners mean that the fragrance can
last for days, permeating wardrobes and drawers. The regular off-gassing of perfume chemicals
from fabric softeners can be a significant trigger for asthma and other breathing problems. In the
US, chemically sensitive individuals complain that, even after several washes, they cannot get
the smell of fabric softeners out of their washing machines and dryers.
If you are a fabric softener addict, there are now a number of companies that provide alternative
and ‘green’ fabric softeners. However, essentially, these are unnecessary products that can
trigger health problems and can interfere with the functional aspect of some textiles. For
instance, when used on towels and nappies, some fabric softeners can reduce absorbency, which
is why it’s generally recommended that reusable nappies aren’t washed with them. Once they are
washed down the drain they can become highly toxic to aquatic life. Given this, maybe it’s worth
asking yourself whether the time has come to break the fabric softener habit completely.
Thomas, P. (2009). Behind the Label: Comfort Fabric Softener. Taken on 20 September 2021
from https://theecologist.org/2009/feb/12/behind-label-comfort-fabric-softener.
1. What does the passage mainly talk about?
A. The downside of fabric softener usage
B. The popularity of fabric softener in the US
C. Harmful compounds found in fabric softener
D. Controlling the habit of using fabric softener
E. Environmental issues caused by fabric softener
2. The word permeating in the third paragraph is similar in meaning with ….
A. filling
B. soaking
C. charging
D. attaining
E. absorbing
3. Based on the passage, it can be hypothesized that …
A. ‘Green’ softeners are developed in response to the needs of fabric softener addicts.
B. Manufactures will shift to producing ‘green’ fabric softener products.
C. A small amount of fabric softener chemicals in the water will not harm aquatic life.
D. The absorbency in some textiles will be reduced if they are washed with fabric
softeners.
E. People with breathing problems will feel safer using fabric softener if it contains fewer
perfume chemicals.
