Laundry Detergents & Pollution

Upon the invention of laundry detergents, experts quickly noticed potential problems for the environment. Getting control of the problem was a goal set forth in the 1960s, yet some experts still believe that top brands in the current laundry detergent industry may still contain chemicals that have harmful effects on the environment and the world's living inhabitants.

History

• Laundry detergent began with the discovery of synthetic detergents in 1916. Wartime produced a need for a product that, when used with water, would not combine with the mineral elements of the water, which resulted in the irritating formation of soap curd. However, laundry detergent did not see widespread use until 1946, with its introduction in the U.S. Within 10 years sales of detergents surpassed soap sales. The 1950s saw the development of liquid laundry detergent, followed by powered detergent with enzymes in the 1960s. In the 1980s detergents became usable for cooler temperature washing and the 1990s brought ultra-powered laundry detergent.

Significance

• About the same time that laundry detergent saw its introduction into the United States, operators at sewage treatment plants began reporting abnormal amounts of suds and foaming at facilities. The foaming quickly spread to lakes and rivers, contaminating water supplies. Water purification experts pointed to the synthetic substances used in laundry detergent, but the industry denied any connection. Thus began an investigation into the chemical makeup of laundry detergent and the possible effects on the environment.

Identification

• Investigations around the world determined that the synthetics used in laundry detergent contained nearly 80 percent of the chemical tetrapropylbenzosulfonate, referred to as an alkyl benzene sulfonates (ABS) in the United States. Experts determined that the presence of this chemical in sewage was causing the machinery in treatment plants to run less efficiently.

Solution

• Researchers worked tirelessly to develop an alternative to ABS. Upon the development of molecular sieve technology in the early 1960s, researchers developed LAS (linear alkyl sulfonate), a satisfactory substitute. Additionally, an amendment to the Water Pollution Control Act passed in 1965, banning the use of ABS in laundry detergents for the future.

Concerns

• While the major issue concerning laundry detergent appeared to be out of the way, recent years have produced increased awareness of other pollutants that may be within the current laundry detergents on the market today. Artificial fragrances are one concern because petroleum is typically the base chemical for their makeup, which is not biodegradable and can be harmful to fish and mammals. Other synthetics in laundry detergents are slow to degrade and can react to other elements in the environment to produce carcinogens. Phosphates, which many states ban in laundry detergents, contribute to the eutrophication of waterways.