It's in the seats and dash of your car, your water hose, likely your raincoat, possibly your plumbing and in many many more things.

Not saying PVC is “green”. Burning creates dioxin which is actually very harmful to humans. And it is certainly not biodegradable.

When the maker says “chemical free” they mean that it's not chemicals doing work. It's physics. It's the actual physical movement of the balls doing the work – there is no magic to it. The release of DINP is simply through wear of the plastic. It's trace at best. The surfactants in detergents are more harmful to the environment and people.

Personally, I don't use these because I think they wear out your clothes faster – that's the physics of it. They also cost too much. But, they are not chemically harmful. This is an example of a little information and knowledge being used to paint a product as hazardous when it isn't. If you overdose mice for an extended time with DINP you will kill them. Of course, if you dose them ONCE with copper, it will kill them. Do you rewash your clothes when you accidentally leave a few pennies in the pocket?

I understand folks wanting to reduce the chemistry in their lives – why not if you can. But, painting this product as hazardous when you likely touch DINP laden products everyday without a care is pretty unfair.

I am disappointed after doing more research, more investigation and like you trying to find something inexpensive and chemical free for my family and all the while putting something with PVC into my washer that then heats up and releases DINP (a phthalate). I am disappointed in this company and plan to demand more from them and write a letter. Very upsetting and you’re right after a few times it is indeed no longer working. A trick and I was tricked for a few days! My lesson learned online for everyone to learn from me, I suppose.