Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Soal Latihan Utbk 20 0n 10
Soal Latihan Utbk 20 0n 10
Soal Latihan Utbk 20 0n 10
In the US, consumers spend around $700 million a year keeping their fabrics soft. In the UK
people spend £200 million a year on fabric softener. A giant manufacturer even claims a
massive 50 percent share of the market. Despite the popularity, fabric softeners can be
harmful to both the people who use them and the marine life that ends up swimming in
them.
Fabric softening surfactants can be derived from animals, plants or minerals, as in the case
of newer, silicone-based formulations. There is little difference between the chemicals used
in fabric softeners and those used in hair conditioners. Whatever they are based on, all
fabric softeners work in pretty much the same way, by depositing these surfactants onto the
fabric to make it feel softer, reduce static cling, and impart a fresh fragrance.
Special fixatives in the mix of both standard and luxury conditioners mean that the
fragrance can last for days, permeating wardrobes and drawers. The regular off-gassing of
perfume chemicals from fabric softeners can be a significant trigger for asthma and other
breathing problems. In the US, chemically sensitive individuals complain that, even after
several washes, they cannot get the smell of fabric softeners out of their washing machines
and dryers.
If you are a fabric softener addict, there are now a number of companies that provide
alternative and ‘green’ fabric softeners. However, essentially, these are unnecessary
products that can trigger health problems and can interfere with the functional aspect of
some textiles. For instance, when used on towels and nappies, some fabric softeners can
reduce absorbency, which is why it’s generally recommended that reusable nappies aren’t
washed with them. Once they are washed down the drain they can become highly toxic to
aquatic life. Given this, maybe it’s worth asking yourself whether the time has come to
break the fabric softener habit completely.
1. What does the passage mainly talk about?
A. The downside of fabric softener usage
B. The popularity of fabric softener in the US
C. Harmful compounds found in fabric softener
D. Controlling the habit of using fabric softener
E. Environmental issues caused by fabric softener