Detergents toxicity

When sulfonic acids are neutralized to sulfonic acid salts, the materials become relatively innocuous and low in toxicity, as compared to the parent sulfonic acid (see Table 4). The neutralized materials cause considerably less eye and skin irritation. The most toxic route of entry for sulfonic acid salts is ingestion (39). The toxicity of neutralized sulfonic acids, especially detergent sulfonates, has been directiy related to the foaming capabiUty of the material. 

The monoalkyl derivatives in salt form appear to have low toxicity. The monomethyl sulfate sodium salt has an approximate oral lethal dose greater than 5000 mg/kg of body weight for rats (129). Monododecyl sulfate sodium salt is widely marketed as a detergent and shampoo ingredient (oral LD q 1268 mg/kg for rats) (126). Both dimethyl sulfate and monomethyl sulfate occur in the environment in coal fly-ash and in airborne particulate matter (130). 

Under conditions of normal use, detergent products are not lia2ardous to users. Nonetheless, surfactants possess some toxicity, and they are mild irritants. Particularly under conditions of misuse, such as accidental ingestion or spillage, they can produce irritation and discomfort in the form of nausea and vomiting, as well as irritation to skin and eyes. The long-term effects, however, are minimal (134). 

By far the greatest consumption of pure aqueous phosphoric acid is in the preparation of various salts for use in the food, detergent and tooth-paste industries (p. 524). When highly diluted the free acid is non-toxic and devoid of odour, and is extensively used to impart the sour or tart taste to many soft drinks ( carbonated beverages ) such as the various colas ( 0,05% H3PO4, pH 2,3), root beers ( 0.01% H3PO4, pH 5,0), and sarsaparilla ( 0.01% H3PO4, pH 4.5). 

Phosphonates are often used in detergents as stabilizers for encymes and bleaching components in a concentration of <0.5%. Dates of acute aquatic toxicity of the most used substances HEDP, aminotrismethylenephosphonic acid (ATMP), and EDTMP are given in Table 14. In a concentration of <2 mg/L no remobilization of heavy metals from sediments was observed [207]. 

The acute oral toxicity (mice), skin and eye irritation (rabbits), sensitization (rabbits), and toxicity to fish were determined for the three detergent formulations and were found to be no more severe than those obtained for LAS [46] and phosphate-containing commercial detergents. 

PHMB is very toxic to fish and aquatic life. It is moreover irritating to skin and may cause sensitization by skin contact. It can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and respiratory tract. The PHMB is not compatible with most common swimming pool chemicals. Not compatible with chlorine and chlorinated chemicals and bromine donors. Not compatible with ionic sterilizers, copper based QAC-algicides, anionic detergents, water softening chemicals, persulfate oxidants etc. The defence of the inventors of PHMB is that one should not combine it with other biocides because it should be a bactericide/algicide. But the algicidal properties of PHMB are very weak in brochures and manuals the dose is 200 ppm. 

Although at high concentration, TKPP is toxic to fish and shrimp. When diluted, 500-1000 PPM, it is non-toxic and expected to be both environmentally acceptable and of low risk to humans. The widespread use of TKPP in detergent formulations supports this expectation. It is listed by the U. S. Department of Transportation as a nontoxic substance relative to shipping regulations. 

The disulphonated DAST derivative 11.25 containing four anilino groups per molecule is effective in liquid detergent formulations and much cheaper to manufacture than the monosulphonated DAST brightener 11.67, which was withdrawn from the market in the late 1980s. It has been necessary to purify compound 11.25 specially for use in detergents, in order to eliminate traces of residual unreacted aniline as far as possible, owing to the toxic properties of this impurity. 

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