Norwex Dryer Balls

A number of questions and concerns have been expressed regarding the Norwex Dryer Balls lately. Most of these are related to the release of toxins during their use.
 
To clarify, dioxins would only be released from the Dryer Balls if they were to catch fire, not an issue under regular use conditions. Another potential issue with regards to them being made of PVC plastic are phthalates, which are ingredients added to plastics to soften them. These can leach out in water, especially under high heat. This is a problem if you are drinking the contaminated water. In the dryer, such leaching is unlikely to occur to any appreciable degree and certainly we are not drinking the water the dryer balls are contacting. The amount of residue, if any, they would leave on clothing is exceptionally small. One study done on the absorption of phthalates into human skin found that, even when added as a concentrated liquid directly onto the skin, very little penetrated – the skin is largely impermeable to them. Certainly, Dryer Balls are dramatically better than other products used to soften clothing and reduce static, which leaves a lot of chemical residue in the fabric!
 
For those presently using dryer sheets or fabric softener, the Dryer Balls would dramatically reduce their exposure to chemicals that are far worse and more likely to affect them. Also, the Dryer Balls reduce energy consumption. There is some environmental cost, as there is with all human activities, the cost of the manufacture and lifetime use of this product would be dramatically less than that of using fabric softener or dryer sheets. I still give them a thumbs-up on user and environmental friendliness over their lifetime.
 
March 2009 Tech Talk
By Candi Bezte, Norwex Science & Technical Advisor