Re: Alt dryer sheets and detergent enzymes

[Guest guest]

Angel,

Well done.

Sorry, I can't offer any alternatives for the softener sheets.

Something else to keep in mind. Many detergents contain enzymes, such as

subtilisin (a protease), to digest protein stains in the laundry. When Proctor

and Gamble first started using subtilisin in its detergent formulations, they

ended up with an allergic sensitization rate of 60% among factory workers (much

of which was occupational asthma). Here are some references:

http://www.nicnas.gov.au/publications/CAR/PEC/PEC2/PEC2d.pdf

http://oem.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/57/2/121

Strict controls were instituted to reduce aerosols in factories and most

detergents are now liquid, so aerosol exposure (for both workers and consumers)

is not so much of a problem.

Nonetheless, I believe that subtilisin residues on dry clothing can be a

significant source of exposure to allergens (by way of inhalation of

protease-coated lint) for those who are sensitized, particularly if you use

excess amounts of detergent in cold water, and dry in the sun (rather than in a

hot dryer; heat from hot water or air can deactivate many enzymes.)

Those of you with mold allergies should particularly avoid detergents with

enzymes, because subtilisin (which is manufactured from bacteria) may be similar

in structure to fungal and yeast enzymes and cross-reactivity is a possibility

(See abstract below).

A good hint that you may have a problem is that exposure to commercial dryer

exhausts causes symptoms. (In other words, the fabric softener and/or fragrances

may not be the only problem!)

May, author

May Indoor Air Investigations LLC

Cambridge, MA

>Date: Sat, 6 Aug 2005 02:30:34 +0000 (UTC)

>From: Angel MCS <jap2bemc@...>

>Subject: Alt dryer sheets

>I have a fabulous relationship with my store manager at the Whole Foods

>Market here inVegas.

>He has now pulled off the shelves all Cling Free dryer sheets,

>fortunately, he didn't carry Bounce. He has asked me to find him an

>alternative to offer his customers. I do not use fabric softeners of any

>kind so I am at a loss as what to recommend. Suggestions please!

--

Reply to:

Jeff@...

------

Int J Med Microbiol. 2000 Oct;290(6):549-58.

Molecular characterization and influence on fungal development of ALP2, a novel

serine proteinase from Aspergillus fumigatus.

Reichard U, Cole GT, Hill TW, Ruchel R, Monod M.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo

43614, USA.

A novel subtilisin-related serine proteinase (ALP2) [EC 3.4.21.48] with a broad

range of activity between pH 4.5 and 11.0 was released from a cell wall fraction

of Aspergillus fumigatus by an alkaline pH shift. The enzyme which was not

detected in the culture supernatant was partially purified by phenylbutylamine

agarose chromatography. The N-terminal sequence revealed that ALP2 is the same

protein identified as the major allergen of A. fumigatus in patients suffering

from extrinsic bronchial asthma (Shen et al. 1999, Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol.

119, 259-264). Based on this N-terminal sequence and on a conserved region of

fungal subtilisins, a specific PCR probe was generated and the ALP2 genomic and

cDNA were isolated from corresponding phage libraries. ALP2 shares a 49%

identity with the vacuolar proteinase B (PrB) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In

addition there is a 78% identity with PEPC, a serine proteinase which has been

described in Aspergillus niger. Targeted disruption of the ALP2-encoding gene

resulted in a slightly decreased speed of vegetative growth and in a more than

80% reduction of sporulation in the alp2-negative mutants, correlated with an

approximately 50% reduction of the median diameter of conidiophore vesicles. The

requirement of ALP2 for regular sporulation, in addition to its role in allergic

asthma, raises further interest in cellular proteinases in respect to

morphogenesis and pathogenesis in A. fumigatus.

[Guest guest]

Angel, I use dryer balls.

See this link for an example:

http://www.amerimark.com/cgi-bin/amerimark/cat_item.html?prod=26058 & media=G65927\

& days=XVQ

Rosie

[Guest guest]

That reminds me I have used the Oxyclean suggested here, which I believe is

powdered hydrogen peroxide. When I dissolve it, it kind of fizzles and I've

experienced breathing in powder kind of 'blown off' the top of liquid before

it dissolves every time I used it. I will try dissolving it in glass jar

from now on.

----- Original Message -----

From: <Jeff@...>

>

> Something else to keep in mind. Many detergents contain enzymes, such as

> subtilisin (a protease), to digest protein stains in the laundry. When

> Proctor and Gamble first started using subtilisin in its detergent

> formulations, they ended up with an allergic sensitization rate of 60%

> among factory workers (much of which was occupational asthma). Here are

> some references:

[Guest guest]

Jeff,

Dryer sheets and enzymes:

1. Many of my clients, except for the extremely hyper-reactive ones,

do well with Bounce Free, Downey Free, Tide Free, Wisk Free, etc.

These are the versions of the softners and detergents that do not

have added fragrance and dyes. If they still react to the " free "

version they need the specialty/natural products that have no

fragrance, or at least a mild fragrance they don't react to, and/or

the enzymes you mention. I occasionally find a liquid that can be

sprayed into the dryer that helps with softening and with static.

Espial was great for about 6 years before they went out of business.

If none of those work, Debra Lynn Dadd and Annie Berthold-Bond have

several books each and together about the non-toxic home. (Google

their names) Debra suggests natural soap instead of detergent, borax

(unscented!) and sodium hexametphosphate - from a chemical supply

house.

For softening, she says it isn't needed for natural fabrics, only

synthetics and some blends to reduce static. Since many chemically

sensitive people can wear synthetics anyway, their need for softener

(anti-static) is minimal.

Even so, each individual has to check out each product for

themselves. Just because it's okay for your best friend doesn't mean

it's safe for you. Just because it's natural doesn't automatically

means it's safe. Arsenic is natural.

2. The problem of enzymes in detergents is similar to why the enzyme

treatments to " kill " mold, or even " eat " mold, often just replaces

the original problem with a new one. Usually, however, it isn't very

effective at getting to where all the mold is anyway and you end up

with two problems instead of just the one you started with.

Carl

-----

> Angel,

>

> Well done.

>

> Sorry, I can't offer any alternatives for the softener sheets.

>

> Something else to keep in mind. Many detergents contain enzymes, such

> as subtilisin (a protease), to digest protein stains in the laundry.

> When Proctor and Gamble first started using subtilisin in its

> detergent formulations, they ended up with an allergic sensitization

> rate of 60% among factory workers (much of which was occupational

> asthma). Here are some references:

>

> http://www.nicnas.gov.au/publications/CAR/PEC/PEC2/PEC2d.pdf

> http://oem.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/57/2/121

>

> Strict controls were instituted to reduce aerosols in factories and

> most detergents are now liquid, so aerosol exposure (for both workers

> and consumers) is not so much of a problem.

>

> Nonetheless, I believe that subtilisin residues on dry clothing can

> be a significant source of exposure to allergens (by way of inhalation

> of protease-coated lint) for those who are sensitized, particularly if

> you use excess amounts of detergent in cold water, and dry in the sun

> (rather than in a hot dryer; heat from hot water or air can deactivate

> many enzymes.)

>

> Those of you with mold allergies should particularly avoid detergents

> with enzymes, because subtilisin (which is manufactured from bacteria)

> may be similar in structure to fungal and yeast enzymes and

> cross-reactivity is a possibility (See abstract below).

>

> A good hint that you may have a problem is that exposure to commercial

> dryer exhausts causes symptoms. (In other words, the fabric softener

> and/or fragrances may not be the only problem!)

>

> May, author

> May Indoor Air Investigations LLC

> Cambridge, MA

>

>

> >Date: Sat, 6 Aug 2005 02:30:34 +0000 (UTC)

> >From: Angel MCS <jap2bemc@...>

> >Subject: Alt dryer sheets

>

> >I have a fabulous relationship with my store manager at the Whole

> >Foods Market here inVegas.

>

> >He has now pulled off the shelves all Cling Free dryer sheets,

> >fortunately, he didn't carry Bounce. He has asked me to find him an

> >alternative to offer his customers. I do not use fabric softeners of

> >any kind so I am at a loss as what to recommend. Suggestions please!

>

> --

> Reply to:

> Jeff@...

>

> ------

> Int J Med Microbiol. 2000 Oct;290(6):549-58.

>

> Molecular characterization and influence on fungal development of

> ALP2, a novel serine proteinase from Aspergillus fumigatus.

>

> Reichard U, Cole GT, Hill TW, Ruchel R, Monod M.

>

> Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Ohio,

> Toledo 43614, USA.

>

> A novel subtilisin-related serine proteinase (ALP2) [EC 3.4.21.48]

> with a broad range of activity between pH 4.5 and 11.0 was released

> from a cell wall fraction of Aspergillus fumigatus by an alkaline pH

> shift. The enzyme which was not detected in the culture supernatant

> was partially purified by phenylbutylamine agarose chromatography. The

> N-terminal sequence revealed that ALP2 is the same protein identified

> as the major allergen of A. fumigatus in patients suffering from

> extrinsic bronchial asthma (Shen et al. 1999, Int. Arch. Allergy

> Immunol. 119, 259-264). Based on this N-terminal sequence and on a

> conserved region of fungal subtilisins, a specific PCR probe was

> generated and the ALP2 genomic and cDNA were isolated from

> corresponding phage libraries. ALP2 shares a 49% identity with the

> vacuolar proteinase B (PrB) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In addition

> there is a 78% identity with PEPC, a serine proteinase which has been

> described in Aspergillus niger. Targeted disruption of the

> ALP2-encoding gene resulted in a slightly decreased speed of

> vegetative growth and in a more than 80% reduction of sporulation in

> the alp2-negative mutants, correlated with an approximately 50%

> reduction of the median diameter of conidiophore vesicles. The

> requirement of ALP2 for regular sporulation, in addition to its role

> in allergic asthma, raises further interest in cellular proteinases in

> respect to morphogenesis and pathogenesis in A. fumigatus.

>

>

[Guest guest]

> 2. The problem of enzymes in detergents is similar to why the enzyme

> treatments to " kill " mold, or even " eat " mold, often just replaces

> the original problem with a new one. Usually, however, it isn't very

> effective at getting to where all the mold is anyway and you end up

> with two problems instead of just the one you started with.

>

> Carl

>

Fascinating data Carl. Thank you. What do you recommend in place of

enzymes in detergents?

Rosie

[Guest guest]

I react to even my husbands downy free. I have no problem and why people

complain about *rough* towels is beyond me. When I used to give lectures

I had 2 towels, one with a fabric softener the other one sans softener.

As I used to ask what was the purpose of a towel...and I was very serious,

as soon as I demonstrated with colored water the fast absorbancy with a

rough towel and the water *beading* up for a little while wioth the

softened towel, my point became clear.

I know oil and water don't mix and so do a majority of people. With that

how do you think that you are going to get drier faster with a towel that

has a semi oily residue on a towel!

On Sat, 6 Aug 2005, Carl E. Grimes wrote:

> Date: Sat, 06 Aug 2005 12:18:27 -0600

> From: Carl E. Grimes <grimes@...>

> Reply-

>

> Subject: Re: [] Alt dryer sheets and detergent enzymes

>

> Jeff,

>

> Dryer sheets and enzymes:

>

> 1. Many of my clients, except for the extremely hyper-reactive ones,

> do well with Bounce Free, Downey Free, Tide Free, Wisk Free, etc.

> These are the versions of the softners and detergents that do not

> have added fragrance and dyes. If they still react to the " free "

> version they need the specialty/natural products that have no

> fragrance, or at least a mild fragrance they don't react to, and/or

> the enzymes you mention. I occasionally find a liquid that can be

> sprayed into the dryer that helps with softening and with static.

> Espial was great for about 6 years before they went out of business.

>

> If none of those work, Debra Lynn Dadd and Annie Berthold-Bond have

> several books each and together about the non-toxic home. (Google

> their names) Debra suggests natural soap instead of detergent, borax

> (unscented!) and sodium hexametphosphate - from a chemical supply

> house.

>

> For softening, she says it isn't needed for natural fabrics, only

> synthetics and some blends to reduce static. Since many chemically

> sensitive people can wear synthetics anyway, their need for softener

> (anti-static) is minimal.

>

> Even so, each individual has to check out each product for

> themselves. Just because it's okay for your best friend doesn't mean

> it's safe for you. Just because it's natural doesn't automatically

> means it's safe. Arsenic is natural.

>

> 2. The problem of enzymes in detergents is similar to why the enzyme

> treatments to " kill " mold, or even " eat " mold, often just replaces

> the original problem with a new one. Usually, however, it isn't very

> effective at getting to where all the mold is anyway and you end up

> with two problems instead of just the one you started with.

>

> Carl

>

> -----

>> Angel,

>>

>> Well done.

>>

>> Sorry, I can't offer any alternatives for the softener sheets.

>>

>> Something else to keep in mind. Many detergents contain enzymes, such

>> as subtilisin (a protease), to digest protein stains in the laundry.

>> When Proctor and Gamble first started using subtilisin in its

>> detergent formulations, they ended up with an allergic sensitization

>> rate of 60% among factory workers (much of which was occupational

>> asthma). Here are some references:

>>

>> http://www.nicnas.gov.au/publications/CAR/PEC/PEC2/PEC2d.pdf

>> http://oem.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/57/2/121

>>

>> Strict controls were instituted to reduce aerosols in factories and

>> most detergents are now liquid, so aerosol exposure (for both workers

>> and consumers) is not so much of a problem.

>>

>> Nonetheless, I believe that subtilisin residues on dry clothing can

>> be a significant source of exposure to allergens (by way of inhalation

>> of protease-coated lint) for those who are sensitized, particularly if

>> you use excess amounts of detergent in cold water, and dry in the sun

>> (rather than in a hot dryer; heat from hot water or air can deactivate

>> many enzymes.)

>>

>> Those of you with mold allergies should particularly avoid detergents

>> with enzymes, because subtilisin (which is manufactured from bacteria)

>> may be similar in structure to fungal and yeast enzymes and

>> cross-reactivity is a possibility (See abstract below).

>>

>> A good hint that you may have a problem is that exposure to commercial

>> dryer exhausts causes symptoms. (In other words, the fabric softener

>> and/or fragrances may not be the only problem!)

>>

>> May, author

>> May Indoor Air Investigations LLC

>> Cambridge, MA

>>

>>

>>> Date: Sat, 6 Aug 2005 02:30:34 +0000 (UTC)

>>> From: Angel MCS <jap2bemc@...>

>>> Subject: Alt dryer sheets

>>

>>> I have a fabulous relationship with my store manager at the Whole

>>> Foods Market here inVegas.

>>

>>> He has now pulled off the shelves all Cling Free dryer sheets,

>>> fortunately, he didn't carry Bounce. He has asked me to find him an

>>> alternative to offer his customers. I do not use fabric softeners of

>>> any kind so I am at a loss as what to recommend. Suggestions please!

>>

>> --

>> Reply to:

>> Jeff@...

>>

>> ------

>> Int J Med Microbiol. 2000 Oct;290(6):549-58.

>>

>> Molecular characterization and influence on fungal development of

>> ALP2, a novel serine proteinase from Aspergillus fumigatus.

>>

>> Reichard U, Cole GT, Hill TW, Ruchel R, Monod M.

>>

>> Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Ohio,

>> Toledo 43614, USA.

>>

>> A novel subtilisin-related serine proteinase (ALP2) [EC 3.4.21.48]

>> with a broad range of activity between pH 4.5 and 11.0 was released

>> from a cell wall fraction of Aspergillus fumigatus by an alkaline pH

>> shift. The enzyme which was not detected in the culture supernatant

>> was partially purified by phenylbutylamine agarose chromatography. The

>> N-terminal sequence revealed that ALP2 is the same protein identified

>> as the major allergen of A. fumigatus in patients suffering from

>> extrinsic bronchial asthma (Shen et al. 1999, Int. Arch. Allergy

>> Immunol. 119, 259-264). Based on this N-terminal sequence and on a

>> conserved region of fungal subtilisins, a specific PCR probe was

>> generated and the ALP2 genomic and cDNA were isolated from

>> corresponding phage libraries. ALP2 shares a 49% identity with the

>> vacuolar proteinase B (PrB) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In addition

>> there is a 78% identity with PEPC, a serine proteinase which has been

>> described in Aspergillus niger. Targeted disruption of the

>> ALP2-encoding gene resulted in a slightly decreased speed of

>> vegetative growth and in a more than 80% reduction of sporulation in

>> the alp2-negative mutants, correlated with an approximately 50%

>> reduction of the median diameter of conidiophore vesicles. The

>> requirement of ALP2 for regular sporulation, in addition to its role

>> in allergic asthma, raises further interest in cellular proteinases in

>> respect to morphogenesis and pathogenesis in A. fumigatus.

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

Rosie,

Not to be facetious, but " no enzymes. "

Carl

-----

>

> > 2. The problem of enzymes in detergents is similar to why the enzyme

> > treatments to " kill " mold, or even " eat " mold, often just replaces

> > the original problem with a new one. Usually, however, it isn't very

> > effective at getting to where all the mold is anyway and you end up

> > with two problems instead of just the one you started with.

> >

> > Carl

> >

>

> Fascinating data Carl. Thank you. What do you recommend in place of

> enzymes in detergents?

>

> Rosie

>

>

>

>