The Surprising Truth About Dryer Sheets: Health Risks You Need to Know

The comforting aroma of freshly laundered clothes is a staple in many households. However, if dryer sheets are part of your laundry routine, it might be time to rethink their use. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally recognizes the ingredients in dryer sheets as safe, experts are raising concerns about their potential health impacts.

Trevor Cates, ND, a licensed naturopathic physician, explains, “Many of the most concerning chemicals in dryer sheets are either hidden under umbrella terms like ‘fragrance’ or created as byproducts during use.” This lack of transparency can make it challenging to assess the safety of these products just by reading their labels.

Furthermore, Cates notes that the chemicals released by dryer sheets can persist in your home environment.

“Heating these sheets in the dryer activates and disperses chemicals into your home environment, where they can linger in the air and cling to clothing,” she says. “Over time, this low-level exposure can contribute to a toxic burden on the body, especially for children whose bodies and organs are smaller and are still developing.”

Experts have identified four primary health concerns related to dryer sheets:

Firstly, dryer sheets can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Raj Dasgupta, MD, points out that “they’re loaded with fragrances and preservatives, many of which aren’t fully listed on the label.” This exposure can lead to skin sensitivity over time, even in those without a history of reactions.

David Johnson, MD, highlights that some chemicals in dryer sheets act as endocrine disruptors.

“And if your hormones get all out of balance, your skin makes it known—adult acne, melasma, the works,” he says. Dasgupta adds that these chemicals can interfere with hormones affecting reproductive health, mood, and metabolism. “We don’t know the full long-term impact of low-level exposure from multiple sources, but if you’re trying to reduce unnecessary chemicals in your home, discontinuing your use of dryer sheets is an easy place to start,” advises Dasgupta.

Inhaling the scents from dryer sheets can also affect respiratory health.

“When heated in the dryer, sheets may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, and even chloroform byproducts, all of which contribute to indoor air pollution and may worsen asthma or allergy symptoms,” says Cates.

Lastly, exposure to dryer sheet chemicals has been linked to an increased incidence of migraines, as well as symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Erin Carter, MD, notes, “The fragrances in the volatile organic compounds can cause headaches in various people, especially if you’re sensitive to these types of chemicals.”

Considering these potential hazards, it may be worthwhile to explore safer alternatives to dryer sheets to protect your health and well-being.

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