Surfactant type biocides

Fig. 5 Total organic composition (resin and fatty acids, biocides and surfactants) and percentage of bioluminescence inhibition of several types of waters (recycle, Kraft, print board in open and closed circuit) submitted to primary or biological treatment. Identification letters A=effluent B=recycle untreated C=recycle primary treatment D=Kraft untreated =Kraft biologically treated F=print paper untreated G=print paper biologically treated H=board untreated J=board biologically treated /=board closed loop and K=board biologically treated...

This type of program relies as much on the detergent and surfactant properties of the biofilm control agent as it does on its biocidal properties. With the use of BCAs, rather than sole reliance of heavy-duty biocides, the sessile microorganisms are swept into the main body of the cooling system. More traditional biocides may still be required periodically. 

Annex V of the Directive refers to product types and describes 23 such product types which cover the whole of the EU biocidal product market. Authorisations will be applicable and limited to one or more of these 23 product types and may also carry other conditions. These product types are also of relevance to the transitional measures. As has already been indicated, surfactants have been listed in most of the 23 types. 

The third of the published Regulations provides lists of those biocidal active substances that had been identified and notified , with (in the latter case) the product types for which the notifications had been accepted. These lists provide a first measure of the impact of this legislation on the biocide market and this will be considered later. Surfactants of various types have been notified in most, if not all, of the 23 product types. 

The basis and likely impact of this Directive have been described. Apart from some very brief comments, there has been no specific reference to surfactants. This is because the Directive covers any chemical that falls within the scope as described and whilst this will include many surfactants, it also includes many other types. Having said this, there is no reason to suppose that surfactants will fare better than any other class of chemicals. Also, as indicated at the beginning, this chapter describes the situation in autumn 2004 when much of the impact due to the transitional measures is still to be realised. This Directive is considered by many to be over the top control for this group of products. However, this is an inevitable consequence of biocidal products also being known as pesticides. Only time will tell whether this Directive will actually improve or increase the levels of risk to humans, animals or the environment. 

Some biocidal surfactants, which are used as disinfectants or sterilants, come under the control of the TGA. These types of products are regulated as medical devices (Therapeutics Goods Order No, 54 (Standard for disinfectants and sterilants) (TG054) [15]. 

Toilet tank blocks consist of two main types One type consists mainly of paradichlorobenzene, perhaps with as much as 50% surfactant. Perfume and dye are usually added. Another type contains 50-90% surfactant, 0-20% wax, 0-40% inorganic salts, along with perfume, dye, and biocides (40). 

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