DETERGENT

The word "detergent" refers to household cleaning products which are based on non-soap, synthetic surfactants and which are primarily used for laundering and dishwashing. There are several types of detergents including automatic dishwashing, hand dishwashing, enzyme, and low-phosphate detergents.

All detergents contain "cationic," "anionic," or "non- ionic" detergents. Cationic detergents are the most toxic when taken internally. Symptoms from ingestion include nausea, vomiting, shock, convulsions, and coma as quickly as one to four hours after ingestion, due to rapid absorption. By themselves, anionic detergents have low toxicity causing mild, local irritation of skin and eyes. But the addition of "builders" to anionic detergents is common and makes anionic detergents alkaline and caustic. Non ionic detergents have low toxicity. At most, mild irritation of the skin and mucous membranes occurs. Ingestion causes no hazardous effects. Some typical nonionic detergents are alkyl aryl polyether sulfates, alcohol sulfonates, alkyl phenol polyglycol ethers, and polyethylene glycol alkyl aryl ethers.

Detergents are responsible for many household poisonings. Part of the problem is that detergent boxes are brightly colored and attractive and commonly stored in low, accessible places. There is a common misconception that low-phosphate detergents are "safe." While low phosphate detergents are safer to the environment, they are 100 to 1000 times more caustic than phosphate detergents. This means that low-phosphate detergents can cause serious burns if even a small amount is ingested. Since powdered granules are more difficult to accidentally swallow, powdered rather than liquid detergents may be a safer choice if you have small children in the home. All detergents should be carefully stored well away from the reach of children.

- Automatic Dishwashing Detergent -

Most automatic dishwashing detergents are alkaline with pH values of 10.5 to 12.0. These products may be classified as irritants or corrosives depending upon their composition, concentration, and physical form. Skin irritation or burns may occur following exposure to dissolved detergents. Toxicity may range from mild tissue causes severe burns. The fact that automatic dishwashing detergents contain phosphate causes environmental concerns. You might consider buying a powdered automatic detergent over a liquid variety, because powdered detergents are more difficult to mistakenly swallow Automatic dishwashing detergents may also contain sodium carbonate.

- Hand Dishwashing Detergent -

These products are intended for the handwashing of dishes. Hand dishwashing detergents are much less toxic than automatic dishwashing detergents. Hand dishwashing detergents are combinations of anionic and non-ionic detergents, glycols, alcohols, and salts. Exposure to the membranes of the mouth, throat, and gastro - intestinal tract may be irritating but not caustic. Anionic and non-ionic detergents are not well absorbed, and no toxic dose has been established. Hand dishwashing detergents are generally considered low in toxicity.

- Enzyme Detergent -

Enzymes are found in various laundry detergents and pre-soaks to loosen soil and remove stains. The enzymes are obtained from selected strains of bacteria. Products which contain enzymes have irritating and sensitizing properties. Asthma and dermatitis may occur from industrial exposure to these enzyme products but would be unlikely from routine household use. Granulated detergents, which encapsulate the enzyme, are less toxic than powdered formulations to people who have become sensitized to these enzyme detergents.

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