Dangers of Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APE) ingredient in your Detergent

Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), particularly nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and their degradation products like nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP), have been extensively studied for their environmental and health impacts. Below is a summary of the evidence addressing your request, covering toxicity to aquatic life, endocrine disruption, banned regions, and biodegradability.

APEs and their metabolites are highly toxic to aquatic organisms, with effects observed even at low concentrations:

• Acute and Chronic Toxicity: Studies show that APE metabolites, such as NP and OP, cause acute and chronic toxicity in aquatic species. For example, NP can induce vitellogenin production (a biomarker of estrogenic exposure) in male fish at concentrations as low as 5 µg/L. Chronic exposure affects reproduction, growth, and survival in fish and invertebrates.

• Specific Impacts: Research indicates that NP feminizes male fish, alters reproduction in invertebrates, and reduces survival rates in species like salmon. Effects include hermaphroditism and decreased sperm counts in exposed organisms.

• Bioaccumulation: NP and OP are lipophilic, accumulating in the tissues of aquatic organisms, particularly invertebrates and fish. This bioaccumulation increases the risk of chronic poisoning and trophic transfer to predators.

APEs, especially their degradation products, are well-documented endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs):

• Estrogenic Activity: NP and OP mimic estrogen by interacting with estrogen receptors, disrupting hormonal systems in wildlife and potentially humans. Laboratory studies demonstrate that these compounds mimic estradiol both in vitro and in vivo, leading to reproductive and developmental effects.

• Health Effects: In aquatic organisms, endocrine disruption manifests as altered sexual development, feminization, and reduced reproductive success. In rodents, NP exposure is linked to reproductive and developmental abnormalities. Human exposure studies have detected NP in blood, urine, and breast milk, raising concerns about potential immune and nervous system effects.

• Mechanisms: The ability of APE metabolites to bind to estrogen receptors disrupts hormone-driven processes, particularly reproduction and development, even at low environmental concentrations.

Due to their environmental and health risks, APEs, particularly NPEs, face restrictions in several regions:

• European Union (EU): The EU banned the use of NPEs in most applications (e.g., detergents, textiles, and cleaning products) under the REACH regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006), with restrictions starting in 2003 and tightened over time. A total ban on NPEs in textile articles was implemented in 2016, limiting concentrations to below 0.01% by weight.

• United States: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not imposed a nationwide ban but promotes voluntary phase-outs through the Safer Choice program. In 2014, the EPA proposed a Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) for 15 NP/NPEs under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to review new or resumed uses. Some states, like California and Washington, have proposed or enacted restrictions on NPEs in laundry detergents and other products.

• Canada: Canada has restricted NP and NPEs under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, classifying them as toxic substances and limiting their use in certain products.

• Other Regions: Countries in Asia (e.g., Japan) and South America have varying levels of regulation, but no comprehensive bans exist. Some companies in these regions continue using APEs despite global warnings.