Surface-washing agents toxicity

Effectiveness and Toxicity of Some Surface-Washing Agents... 

Toxicity. The acute lethal toxicity of many surface-washing agents is shown in Table 13 [47, 49], Unlike dispersants, the aquatic toxicity of surface-washing agents varies from nontoxic (> 1000 mg/L) to... 

The only element that was discovered in body fluids (urine). This is plausible, as P plays a main role in all life processes. It is one of the five elements that make up DNA (besides C, H, N, and 0 evolution did not require anything else to code all life). The P-O-P bond, phosphoric acid anhydride, is the universal energy currency in cells. The skeletons of mammals consists of Ca phosphate (hydroxylapatite). The element is encountered in several allotropic modifications white phosphorus (soft, pyrophoric P4, very toxic), red phosphorus (nontoxic, used to make the striking surface of matchboxes), black phosphorus (formed under high pressures). Phosphates are indispensable as fertilizer, but less desirable in washing agents as the waste water is too concentrated with this substance (eutrophication). It has a rich chemistry, is the basis for powerful insecticides, but also for warfare agents. A versatile element. 

Small Areas Ventilation. In heavily contaminated areas, employ vacuum devices equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to remove as much agent as possible. If necessary, wash with copious amounts of alkaline detergent and water. Do not use bleach or detergents containing bleach as they may interact with agents to produce highly toxic decomposition products. Porous surfaces may be difficult to decontaminate. 

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