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Environmental and Health Assessment of Substances in Household Detergents and Cosmetic Detergent Products SummaryThis report reviews the literature describing the inherent environmental and health properties of substances in household detergents and cosmetic detergent products. These products are used in high volumes, and the total annual consumption exceeded 70,000 tons in Denmark (in 1997) and 9,000,000 tons in Europe (in 1998). The review contains an up-to-date presentation of the available data and includes the following groups of substances: Anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, complexing agents, preservatives, bleaching agents, acids and bases, solvents, and fragrances. The main emphasis is directed towards the four groups of surface active agents, i.e. anionic, nonionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants. The outcome of the study is a compilation of data and information organized in specific chapters for each of the substance groups described above. The report includes a ranking of single substances on the basis of their inherent environmental or health properties. The ranking of substances may be used to indicate cases for a more detailed risk assessment or potentially hazardous chemicals that may be considered for substitution.
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