A recent study conducted at the University of Zurich revealed that certain chemicals used in dishwasher detergents may leave residues on dishes that could be harmful to intestinal health. Commercial dishwashers are designed to wash dirty dishes with minimal water and maximum efficiency. Dishwashers use minimal water and follow two quick cycles that last only a few minutes, first washing dirty dishes with detergent and then with a rinse aid for maximum efficiency. The new study investigated the effects of these chemical residues on human intestinal health.
Dangers of Dishwashing Detergents
Scientific data revealed the following alarming facts:
- To thoroughly rinse detergent residues from our dishes washed in a dishwasher, we would need to use 6 tons of water!
- To remove detergent from dishes washed with 1% detergent water, 8 liters of water is required, which means dishes need to be rinsed approximately 6 times!
- To clean a teaspoon of detergent residue, 18 liters of hot water or 33 liters of cold water are needed!
- We consume 75 mg of detergent daily from dishware washed with dishwashing detergents, and this amount increases up to 250 mg in infants!
- In various households, restaurants, and canteens, detergent residues ranging from 0.19 to 0.66 mg/L were detected in dishware washed with dishwasher detergents and ready for use.
These research findings clearly show that both handwashing and machine washing with dishwashing detergents can cause significant harm. Detergents are made with highly concentrated chemical components, and it is nearly impossible to remove these residues from our glasses, plates, and cutlery!
Detergents derived primarily from petroleum not only harm individuals but also leave non-degradable, permanent waste in the environment. Dishwashing detergents remove dirt from our dishes and make them sparkling clean. However, they also leave their chemical structures on our dishware. As we use these plates and utensils, we ingest these chemicals. Although they may not cause problems initially, they can lead to serious health issues and poisoning over time.
Cezmi Akdis, director of the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research at the University of Zurich, states, “The most important point is that many appliances do not have an additional washing cycle to remove the remaining rinse aid. This means potentially toxic substances remain on the dishes and dry in place.”
Researchers used a new organoid technology that allows them to create three-dimensional cellular structures resembling various human organs to investigate the effects of different detergent chemicals on the intestine. The results were not encouraging; the chemicals used cause significant changes in genes related to “cell survival, epithelial barrier, cytokine signaling, and metabolism.” Researchers focused on specific chemicals causing damage and identified alcohol ethoxylates as the culprits.
The study notes that domestic dishwashers tend to use a little more water and have longer washing cycles, with dilution factors calculated at 1:80,000. Therefore, researchers are more interested in short-cycle commercial dishwashers with dilution factors as small as 1:2000. It is important to note that any real damage in the human intestine remains speculative at this point. According to Akdis, the effect of alcohol ethoxylates on intestinal cells observed in the study could reasonably trigger a range of inflammatory diseases in humans.
Akdis said, “This effect could mark the beginning of the destruction of the intestinal epithelial layer and trigger the onset of various chronic diseases. As alcohol ethoxylates are widely used in commercial dishwashers, it is important to inform the public about this risk.” Researchers ultimately argue that there is an urgent need for further research on the effects of alcohol ethoxylates on health. While evaluating chemical residues on dishes in commercial settings like restaurants may be challenging for individuals, it is possible to ensure that dishes at home are free from detergent residues. The new study was published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
How to Minimize Exposure to Dishwashing Detergent Residues
Considering the potential harm caused by dishwashing detergents, it is crucial to adopt measures to minimize exposure to these harmful residues. Here are some steps to consider:
- Use eco-friendly detergents: Opt for biodegradable, environmentally friendly dishwashing detergents that contain fewer harmful chemicals. These alternatives are not only better for your health but also help protect the environment.
- Rinse dishes thoroughly: After washing, make sure to rinse dishes thoroughly using plenty of water, whether you are handwashing or using a dishwasher. This will help to remove any remaining detergent residues.
- Run an extra rinse cycle: If you are using a dishwasher, run an extra rinse cycle without detergent to further minimize the risk of harmful residues.
- Clean your dishwasher regularly: Maintain your dishwasher by cleaning its filters, jets, and spray arms regularly to ensure it operates at peak efficiency, removing as many detergent residues as possible.
- Limit the use of rinse aids: Although rinse aids improve the drying process, they can also leave residues on dishes. Consider using alternatives like white vinegar, which can provide similar results without the risk of chemical residues.
- Air-dry dishes: Whenever possible, allow your dishes to air-dry instead of using the dishwasher’s heated drying cycle. This will help reduce the risk of any remaining detergent residues drying onto your dishes.
By following these steps, you can effectively minimize the risk of harmful detergent residues on your dishes and reduce the potential negative impact on your intestinal health.
