EPA-744-F-99-008
May 1999
Surfactants
Builders
Bleaches
Colorants
Optical Brighteners
Solvents
Wash Water
Resource Efficiency
Packaging
Surfactants
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Biodegrade readily to compounds
with low toxicity. Example: Straight carbon chain compounds like linear
alcohol ethoxylates or betaine esters.
Key Characteristics of Concern: Toxicity to aquatic organisms, like fish
(vertebrates), daphnids (invertebrates) and algae; persistence in the
environment; toxicity of biodegradation byproducts. Example: Alkylphenol
ethoxylates--biodegrade under anaerobic conditions to alkylphenols, which
persist in the environment, have high toxicity to aquatic organisms, and
may be endocrine disruptors (compounds that adversely affect the endocrine
system that controls metabolism, reproduction, and growth).
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Builders
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low toxicity, low impact on the
environment. Example: Zeolites, also known as aluminosilicates.
Key Characteristic of Concern: Potential to cause eutrophication in fresh
water (eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes
rich in dissolved nutrients, diminishing oxygen levels and a water body's
ability to support various forms of aquatic life). Example: Inorganic
phosphates.
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Bleaches
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low toxicity, no toxic byproducts.
Example: Hydrogen peroxide or ozone.
Key Characteristics of Concern: Inherent toxicity and toxic byproducts.
Examples:
Sodium hypochlorite, which can form hazardous gases and chlorinated organic
byproducts; may also damage fibers in clothing and fabrics, which can
lead to the generation of excess lint, a potential fire hazard during
drying; Sodium perborate, which can present both human health and ecological
concerns; and Dichloro-isocyanurate may form toxic gas, nitrogen-trichloride, a threat
to human health.
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Colorants
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low toxicity to humans and aquatic
organisms. Minimize colorant use whenever possible.
Key Characteristic of Concern: Toxicity. Studies indicate that certain
colorants may cause cancer or other adverse health effects in humans (e..g.,
Rhodamine B). Metalized dyes present health and environmental concerns.
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Optical Brighteners
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low toxicity to humans and the
environment. Example: Coumarin derivative, perhaps.
Key Characteristic of Concern: Potential toxicity to humans. Examples:
Aminotriazine- or stilbene-based whiteners. Toxicity data indicate that
these compounds may cause developmental and reproductive effects, but
additional testing is needed to confirm these concerns.
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Solvents
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low toxicity to humans and the
environment. Example: Propylene glycol ethers.
Key Characteristic of Concern: Toxicity to humans and aquatic organisms.
Examples: For human health concerns, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether;
for environmental concerns, d-limonene.
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Wash Water
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Neutral pH. Example: Enzyme-based
detergents.
Key characteristics of concern: Highly caustic or acidic wash environments;
may cause severe irritation or burns to living tissue in humans or aquatic
organisms. Example: High alkaline breaks, low pH sours. Highly alkaline
ingredients can lead to alkaline hydrolysis on polyester fibers, shortening
linen life. Extreme pH effluents may also damage pipes and sewer lines.
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Resource Efficiency
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Low temperature and reduced cycle
formulations.
Key Characteristics of Concern: Overuse of water and energy. Formulations
that require high temperatures and multiple rinse cycles deplete increasingly
scarce natural resources.
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Packaging
Positive Environmental Characteristic: Minimize solid waste generation.
Key Characteristic of Concern: Non-reusable or non-recyclable containers.
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