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Oct 2010 Optical Brighteners: Just Say No to the Glow!
118 comments
Cara Bondi, Research Chemist at Seventh Generation explains what optical brighteners are and why Seventh Generation doesn't use them: a real clean shouldn't be an optical illusion. Optical brighteners are synthetic chemicals that make fabrics appear to glow in the presence of ultraviolet light. They don't have anything to do with getting things clean -- they're only added to detergents to make us think our laundry is brighter and whiter than it really is. Designed to intentionally remain behind on our clothes and linens, optical brighteners rub off on our skin where they can cause a reaction that looks like sunburn. They're no fun for the environment either. Optical brighteners washed down our drains frequently survive wastewater treatment and escape into our lakes, rivers, and streams. Once there, they don't completely biodegrade and instead accumulate in fish.
Test Your Knowledge! Take this short quiz about optical brighteners after you watch the video.
118
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nvr2ol
Mon, Apr. 11, 2011
WOW!
How the government keeps adding and falsifying our products to make us think how amazing, and safe they(they products) are!
I never realized that it was
I never realized that it was these chemicals that causes the white clothing to be so bright in black light
yoon0040
Sun, Apr. 10, 2011
WOW
WOW, DID NOT KNOW THAT! THANKS FOR THE INFO.
lilpinky1234
Sun, Apr. 10, 2011
Yikes!!
Im glad I know this now..
jenniferb53@hotmail.com
Sat, Apr. 09, 2011
wow
I had no idea, but i did wonder why my kids' clothes aren't as bright and new looking as the other kids.
cbaden
Sat, Apr. 09, 2011
A WOW for me!
Glad I got the education today! You learn something new everyday!
Kari Sell
Sat, Apr. 09, 2011
why are they legal?
It continually amazes me the things that are allowed in products that do no good and actually do harm. Why are they still allowed? How great that we have companies like Seventh Generation that are concerned with more than just making a sale.
MrBunka
Thu, Apr. 07, 2011
Natural is best!
This video was very interesting; The part about optical brighteners used in less concerned detergent makers disturbs me..
hugs and bugs
Thu, Apr. 07, 2011
no-glow
informative- should be a widespread tv commercial
sbaker23
Thu, Apr. 07, 2011
I am blown away with all of
I am blown away with all of the things companies add to their products to sell them. In return from using these products we have a polluted air, water, and soil. We have to start somewhere to fix it.
