What are the dangers posed by household chemicals?

All big and heartfelt greetings! Household chemicals in the face of washing powders, cleaning and detergents tightly entered the life of every hostess. To date, we can not even imagine how to manage a household without these substances. Their use makes life much easier, you do not need to stand and rub things with soap for a long time, dirt and stains are instantly washed off the clothes, if we soak in a special tool. Convenient is not it?

For the average consumer, who has thoroughly forgotten a school chemistry course, the meaning of the sophisticated names of the components of laundry detergent remains a mystery. And, meanwhile, it is on them that the cleaning properties of the product depend, and the effect it has on our body. Let's try to lift the veil of secrecy. So…

As an example, we will choose one of the most popular powders in the middle price category Tide “Lemon and White Lily”, designed for automatic washing of white things. In its composition:

5 - 15% anionic surfactant. Mysterious abbreviation stands for “superficially - active substances". And the term “anionic” means that they decompose with the formation of anions - negatively charged ions. Anionic surfactants, which mainly determine the foaming of detergents, include various sulphates, in particular, sodium laureth sulphate - a component of many shampoos.

Anionic surfactants are cheap and at the same time perfectly clean the fabric, due to its structure. Each molecule of these substances has the ability to connect at one end with fats, which are abundantly present on dirty laundry, and the other with water. Then, acting like tiny cords with a hook at the end, anionic surfactants tear the fat off the fabric and remove it along with the water.

Unfortunately, there are more disadvantages of anionic surfactants than advantages. They do not have a selective effect, so they dissolve not only the fat on the linen, but also the protective lipid layer on our hands, poorly washed out of the tissues, and then, getting from them to our skin, absorbed through the pores, accumulate in the internal organs, disrupting their work and leading to various diseases.

In Europe, it is forbidden to use laundry detergents in which the amount of anionic surfactants exceeds 2%, and here, as you can see, their concentration can reach 15%.

Less than 5% - non-inorganic surfactants - the second component of the powder. If anionic surfactants act on the surface, then non-inogenic ones clean the fabric from the inside, penetrating deeply into its structure. Their main advantage is non-toxicity and the ability to completely disintegrate. In addition, they perfectly stabilize the foam, but they themselves have low foaming, and therefore are used together with anionic surfactants. They are most effective at low temperatures.

Most nonionic surfactants - these are liquid or pasty substances, therefore, they are mainly used in gel detergents, and their share in powders is small.

Oxygen-based bleaching agents - the third component, the purpose of which is quite clear from the name - to remove the yellow bloom on the fabric, which inevitably appears as a result of processing its surfactant. Most often in modern powders sodium percarbonate is used for this, which performs several tasks at once, whitening, cleaning, disinfecting and eliminating unpleasant odors.

Sodium percarbonate is non-toxic, decomposes into soda ash, which is completely rinsed out, and oxygen is an environmentally friendly, safe for the environment, and for humans component, but, nevertheless, copes with its mission.

Phosphonates. Needed in order to soften the water when washing, because in hard water it will not give a good result. They are esters and salts of phosphonic acids, and are slightly less toxic phosphate substitutes, about the harm of which everyone has heard today.

Polycarboxylate - the fifth ingredient. Need to protect your cars from corrosion, helps soften water. It is a biologically safe polymer, that is, a carbon-based compound, it is completely decomposed, not accumulating in our body or in the environment.

Zeolites Peculiar molecular sieves that can absorb all the dirt that gets into the water during washing. Together with phosphanites, they are a substitute for phosphates and help them soften the water.

Unfortunately, only natural zeolites, which are unlikely to be used in budget laundry detergents, are safe. As for synthetic zeolites, they can cause our body no less harm than phosphates.

Enzymes No matter how well cleaned the fabric surfactants, but they can not cope with complex protein contamination. Therefore, in the powder and enzymes are present - compounds that have the ability to destroy protein. In cheap powders, only one type of enzyme is usually used, in the more expensive - several types, each for its own pollution.

It should be remembered that enzymes themselves are proteins, therefore they work only at temperatures up to 40 degrees, and at higher values \u200b\u200bthey are destroyed.

Enzymes are considered to be substances of moderate toxicity, they can cause contact dermatitis, become the cause of redness and peeling of the skin, therefore it is advisable to use when washing with hand washes. rubber gloves. It is also not recommended to wash clothes from natural wool with enzyme powder, as they gradually destroy the protein contained in the fibers, which causes damage to things.

Optical bleach. This is how our eyes are arranged, that white-blue things seem to them to be slightly bluish, which is why laundresses in the past must have blue-colored linens. Blueprint was the prototype of modern optical brighteners - organic compounds that have the ability to absorb UV rays and convert them to blue. So, strictly speaking, optical bleach is not a bleach at all, but a dye.

Optical bleach can not be removed from the fabric even with the most intensive rinsing. Staying on our clothes, they can irritate sensitive, allergic-prone skin.

Flavoring additives: citronellol and limonene. They are needed in order to disguise the chemical aroma of the components of laundry detergent and give the washed laundry a pleasant smell. Citronellol is widely used in cosmetics, giving it a green apple flavor with a hint of citrus. Lemonon, as the name implies, provides the smell of lemon.

Flavors can be of both natural and artificial origin - the manufacturer does not indicate this, but it is unlikely that an expensive natural component will be used in the budget powder. In any case, these substances are allergens and can cause a burning sensation in the nose, eye irritation, etc.

And what else is in powders?

The listed ingredients list is typical for powders intended for white things. Color laundry detergents are generally less aggressive, contain fewer anionic surfactants and do not incorporate optical brighteners.

And what other components are present in elegant packs that promise “sparkling whiteness” and “frosty freshness”? It can be:

Sodium Tripolyphosphate - the same phosphate in all its glory. It is needed to soften water, it is used in inexpensive powders, and in those that are more expensive, less toxic zeolites and phosphanites take over its functions.

Sodium hypochlorite - chlorine-based bleach. Since chlorine and compounds based on it have an extremely negative effect on the body and, moreover, they increase the toxicity of anionic surfactants and phosphates, today in powders intended for domestic use, this component is almost not used, replaced by oxygen bleach, but exceptions are possible.

Cationic Surfactantss - substances (amines and salts of amines) that decompose with the formation of positively charged ions. They almost do not have detergency, but they neutralize the harmful effects of anionic surfactants. The second advantage is bactericidal action, that is, the ability to destroy disease-causing bacteria. They are a component of expensive powders and fabric softeners.

And, finally, the manufacturer does not consider it necessary to indicate some of the ingredients, but they are nonetheless present in laundry detergents. For example:

Bleaching activators (TAED). Oxygen bleach is good for everyone, but it works only at temperatures above 80 degrees. And to make it work at its lower rates and even in cold waterneed an activator.
Antiresorbents - this component eliminates the possibility of sticking dirt back to the laundry.
Phthalates act as a fixative smell of flavoring and prevent it from weathering. It is thanks to them that your laundry retains the “fragrance of freshness” for a long time.
As well as ingredients that prevent the formation of lumps, lowering the level of dust, etc.

The composition of washing powders, as you can see, is not at all harmless. The next time you buy another pack, take a few minutes to read the contents of its contents: now you know what lies behind difficult-to-pronounce names!

The composition of children's washing powders

It is a very mistaken opinion that washing powders for children are environmentally friendly, less harmful, and their composition is gentle. I can confidently say that most products household chemicals should not be called nursery. Again, let's look at the example of the “Eared Nannies” powder, which is quite popular among mothers.

Here is its composition:

All the same phosphates, sulfates, enzymes and other substances that can not be harmless, especially for young children. Most powders are clean water cheating All this is a lie that they do not harm the delicate skin and are especially hypoallergenic. Allergists themselves say that more than half of the irritations on the skin arise from contact with household chemicals, and not from a food eaten, like honey and tomato.

In addition, GOST for children's washing powder says that the phosphate content in it should not exceed 5%. And what are we seeing here? In general, there is something to think about!

The composition of fabric softener

I can not touch this topic, as it is directly related to the wash. After all, everyone loves when the clothes are soft, fragrant, fresh and easy to iron. Very often, we add air conditioners in order to achieve this effect. But, unfortunately, they are no less harmful than powders. Here is the composition of one very famous means called “Lenore”.

The composition is not impressive and even terrifying. Chemicals cut the ear. So that the rinses, exactly like washing powders, are no less safe.

Conclusion:

In any case, you decide to use well-known cheap brands, or spend time looking for more eco-friendly laundry detergents. Yes, they are more expensive than regular ones, but they may not wash things so badly from heavy pollution, but they do not cause as much harm as “chemical products”.

There is a huge amount of various household chemicals on the market, and I do not claim that the powders marked “Eco” or “Bio” are completely safe, but the risk of getting a lot of sores is much lower.

In the end, you can minimize the number of washes with cheap powders and use them in extreme cases. But remember, after them it is better to rinse the laundry twice, in order to rinse the remnants of substances from the laundry as best you can.

For those who are interested in this topic, I advise you to read the post. There I give several recipes that can easily replace a part of household chemicals and make your home HEALTHY.

If the article “Composition of washing powders” has become useful for you, share it with your friends! See you again! Be healthy!

As it is sung in one famous song: “The girls are different - black, white, red”, so in the rest of the time, a corresponding analogy can be drawn. Since today we have decided to discuss the topic of home household cleaning products for household cleaning, we will immediately warn you that we don’t want to be bothered about anything with all of them.

Our house is our fortress, a cozy nest to which you want to return after a long day full of adventures, a place that gives us every inch of happiness and joy.

One well-known Japanese house cleaning specialist Marie Kondo advises, after we opened the door and went into the corridor of our little castle, say hello to him and say, “Hi, I'm back!”

Even one such small exercise will help us to better feel the connection with the space in which we live and to keep it clean not “through-not-want”, but because we love our home and we like to take care of it.

And for such a beautiful business and helpers you need to choose the right ones - those who can ensure cleanliness, tidiness and safety in the whole house, and also not harm our health and the “health” of the planet to which we live - because it is also our home. Well, I want the dirt to disappear simply and quickly - few people are inspired by hours of rubbing a bathroom or glasses in the living room.

Unfortunately, many modern household chemicals most often do not meet these simple criteria, which we do not even guess.

Parse the composition

Let's turn to the composition of popular home care products in order to understand in detail what we are dealing with every day.

We choose safe means

Let's face it: none of these products is safe for humans, especially for young children, and nature. What now, completely do without the means of household chemicals? How, then, to bring cleanliness in such a beloved home? How to protect your health and the health of your loved ones?

Calm, only calm, like the fabulous hero Carlson used to say. Fortunately, there are many safer and more effective products on the market, you just need to carefully read the label.

What ingredients do no harm?

Nonionic surfactants. Unlike its counterpart, non-ionic surfactants are 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly;
Anionic Surfactants vegetable origin.
Soda. Soda copes with many types of pollution and gives a powerful rebuff to harmful bacteria;
Vinegar. Vinegar perfectly disinfects the room and copes with many types of dirt. Suitable for flooring, tile, helps to remove scale;
Essential oils (especially citrus and tea tree oil). Essential oils are a natural antibacterial agent, which, moreover, will give a gentle unobtrusive aroma;
Lemon juice. Lemon juice disinfects and helps remove stains from dishes, clothing, aluminum and silver.

Some eco-friendly manufacturers go even further and offer their innovative solutions - for example, they send into the army an army of useful bacteria that colonize on the surface and fight against unfriendly-minded bacteria.

You can find such products from the Probiotic brand - here you can find dishwashing liquids, stain removers, bathroom cleaning products and much more.

More traditional and safer household “non-chemistry” are represented by such companies as:

Almawin;
BioMio;
Ecover;
Klar;
Organic People;
Sodasan;
Zero;
and many others.

Love your home, take care of it and use for this only the safest and most reliable means.

Ecobureau Leading Expert Greens

In our work, we do analysis of detergents for business structures, for example, for fitness clubs or offices, in order to understand what they are cleaning the premises with and, accordingly, their employees and customers breathe. As a rule, people begin to show great interest in cleaning and laundry products when they become parents, and they have not thought about it before. And it does not depend on the level of income. I know a lot of rich people in the house who use the cheapest means not from savings, but simply because a housekeeper bought them. Yes, and the average consumer is difficult to navigate. You came to the store, for example, with your child, after work, you do not have the time and desire to look for the composition, which is often indicated on the packaging in a tiny font, to remember the names of these substances. Meanwhile, not everything is so bad: there are enough environmentally friendly products on the market, you can even buy them at a store near the house, and now they are comparable to ordinary ones. It is enough to sort out the topic once, to audit the home remedies, replace the dangerous ones with eco-friendly ones - and then you don’t have to spend much time on it. If you still use the usual means, then do not neglect the requirements of safety.

Detergent

Laundry detergent Tide

The smell is felt immediately. The product can harm both human health and the environment, which is naturally related. As part of this washing powder, for example, there are phosphates to soften the water. These are substances that cause the eutrophication of water bodies, that is, an increase in their biological productivity due to the saturation of water with phosphorus and nitrogen. This leads to the rapid growth of algae (algal blooms), oxygen deficiency and, as a result, the death of fish and other aquatic animals. In humans, phosphates and phosphonates can cause allergic skin reactions and damage to the respiratory tract.

Since the 1980s, phosphate powders have been banned in many countries, and phosphate-free powders are being produced and used. The content of anionic surfactants (surfactants) in the composition of the product should not be more
5%, here is more. Anionic surfactants are toxic and tend to accumulate in the body. They cause immunity disorders, allergies, damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Therefore, laundry washed with such a powder, you need to rinse longer to wash hazardous substances. This can be done in an automatic washing machine, and manually, which is also not very environmentally friendly, because we spend more water, more energy, more money for such a wash. This powder should not be used for children's things, because the toxicity index, which Roskontrol found in its research, is quite high.

Even after reading the label carefully (which is difficult, because it is written in very small print), we can not always accurately know the composition: the formulation of the same flavoring additives is protected by trade secret. But the mere presence of anionic surfactants and phosphates makes this powder dangerous to health and the environment.

Washing powder "Myth Freshness of the Valley of Roses"

The composition of "Myth" is very similar to the composition of Tide, although it is much cheaper. We have the “Myth Freshness of the Valley of Roses”, the composition of other species may differ slightly. The manufacturer writes that here, too, up to 15% of anionic surfactants, as in Tide. If you look at the data of Roskontrol, you will see that the toxicity index of “Myth” is higher than that of Tide.

Washing powders should be kept hermetically sealed, which is not assumed by these cardboard boxes. When the laundry detergent stays open in your bathroom, all this (including flavoring additives with an unknown composition) gets into the air and you constantly breathe it. Therefore, it is better to still use liquid detergents. There is also an eco-friendly alternative - soap nuts, but they can only freshen things up: the quality of washing with them is low. If you still use such a powder, be sure to press the “Extra Rinse” button on the washing machine - this is also effective. Roskontrol also did tests on this.

The concentrated Amway SA8 Delicate liquid

There are many alternatives to the usual washing powders, for example, liquid laundry detergents. There are quite a lot of liquid funds in different price categories on the Russian market. In particular, for example, there is Amway SA8 Delicate. There are other brands, such as Frosch or Ecover. How are they better? First, most liquid products are concentrated. This means that they are spent more economically, less packaging is spent, less garbage is created. A plus liquid funds dissolve faster and are easier to rinse - with them additional rinsing is definitely not required.

In Amway SA8, if you look only at the composition, there are no anionic surfactants at all, fragrances are not indicated. Here, the composition of up to 15% of soap, everything else - non-inogenic surfactants, that is, surfactants that do not harm either health or the environment.

Not only environmentally friendly liquid products are concentrated, but also powders, for example, Pure Water produced by the small Kirov company Miko. They are sold in the network "VkusVill" and in online stores. They contain baking soda and other components that are safe for humans and the environment, there are no artificial flavors at all, which can be somewhat confusing: the powder hardly smells. Yes, and it looks unusual - it is, rather, chips. But the packaging of recycled cardboard. The plans of the manufacturer - to certify products according to international environmental standards.

Composition

Tide: 5–15% anionic surfactant,<5 % неионогенные ПАВ, кислородосодержащие
bleaching agents, phosphates, polycarboxylates, zeolites, enzymes, optical
bleaching agents, aromatic additives, hexylcinnamine aldehyde.

"Myth":5% or more, but less than 15%: anionic surfactants, phosphates; less than 5%: non-ionic surfactants, oxygen-containing bleach, polycarboxylates; optical brighteners, enzymes, flavoring agents; alpha isomethylionone, hexylcinnamal.

Amway: up to 15% of soap, non-inorganic surfactants.

Laundry soap "Sun"

The composition of this soap includes sodium salts of fatty acids of animal fats. If ethics is important to you, you need to understand that this soap is made from fats taken from animals. Titanium dioxide is not clear why they put it here - it performs the function of bleach? The disodium salt of EDTA is poorly biodegradable and can concentrate heavy metals in water bodies. Triethanolamine may cause contact dermatitis. Pure benzoic acid causes allergic reactions and may affect kidney function.

That is, half the substances in the composition of this soap can be dangerous for the skin. Most of them tend to accumulate in the body, usually in the liver or kidneys.

These substances are present in soap at low concentrations and carry only potential risk. Because you wash the laundry once with this soap, nothing will happen to you. But we are talking about the system: cleaning the house is a regular procedure, so it is important to consciously choose the means that you use for this.

Composition

"Sun": sodium salts of fatty acids of vegetable oils and animal fats, titanium dioxide, propylene glycol extract of chamomile flowers, triethanolamine, disodium EDTA, benzoic acid.

Universal cleaners

Cream cleaning CIF "Active Lemon"

Here again we can not find out the full composition, because the formulation is a commercial secret. Frosch always leads a block of its environmental benefits, but we can only truly trust the European Flower eco-label, which is located on both sides of the package.

The fact is that some companies are engaged in greenwashing (derived from the English. Whitewash - “whitewash reputation”), that is, positioning themselves as eco-friendly, while not being so. For example, they stick green leaflets or flowers on the packages, use the words “eco” or “bio” without verification and certification by a third independent party.

The packaging of this product is made of polyethylene terephthalate, from the same one from which water bottles are made, for example. It has a label - a triangle with the number 1. If possible, all the packages from all cleaning and washing agents should be recycled. In Moscow, they also take. For example, in the reception center of the “Sphere of Ecology” on the territory of “Artplaya” plastic packaging with markings 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 is accepted.

Composition

CIF "Active Lemon": less than 5% anionic surfactant, non-ionic surfactant, soap, fragrance, limonene, benzisothiazolinone, geraniol.

Frosch "lemon":<5 % неионогенные ПАВ, ароматические добавки, консервант (феноксиэтанол). Прочие компоненты: мраморная мука и экстракт лимона.

Glass cleaners

Means for washing of glasses and surfaces of Mr. Muscle

I have good eyesight, but people with poor eyesight cannot read what the composition is here. Not only that, you need to know what is written, so also because you need to manage to see these small letters.

On the packaging it is indicated that it is not necessary to mix with other compounds, it is necessary to avoid additional contact with the skin. Ingredients: organic solvents, fragrances, sodium hydroxide and acetic acid, dyes, isopropyl alcohol. Glass cleaners must be tinted so as not to be confused with water, because many people use this packaging with a spray bottle after use.

The names of most substances are not fully listed. It is written "surfactant" or "organic solvents" - this does not tell us anything. From what is more or less clear, there is isopropyl alcohol. It can be allergic even to adults, not to mention children. It can, firstly, cause allergic reactions in contact with eyes, and secondly, cause contact dermatitis. In a good way, there must necessarily be an inscription in capital letters "use only with gloves." Alcohol inhaled vapors can also give an allergic reaction to the mucous membrane. Some doctors recommend washing the window in a respirator. Isopropyl alcohol is added to many glass, tile, glass, or shiny surfaces.

Frosch for washing glass

It says on the packaging that the product is “with natural ingredients of plant origin.” Trust this statement can be, because it is supported by environmental labeling.

Eco-labels guarantee not only safe composition, but also environmentally responsible production. This means that less water, energy, resources are consumed, all rights of employees are respected. Also, this tool is not tested on animals. Here is also a package with marking 1, that is, we can hand it over for recycling.

As part of Frosch for glass less than 5% surfactant, flavoring additives (citral, limonene), water-soluble solvents, in minor quantities cosmetic dye. It is not indicated which dye it is, because it is probably a trade secret. This bottle is also made of polyethylene terephthalate, which means that it can be recycled.

Composition

Mr. Muscle: water, organic solvents, isopropyl alcohol, ammonium hydroxide, a-surfactant less than 5%, preservative, perfume, emulsifier, dye.

Frosch:less than 5% ampholytic surfactants, flavoring additives (citral, limonene), water-soluble solvents, in minor quantities cosmetic dye.

Floor Cleaners

Washing fluid for floors and walls Proper "Invigorating Lime and Mint"

There are more letters on this package. Limonene and linalool are added for smell. But many manufacturers, children's institutions and environmental organizations do not recommend their use, because limonene and linalool in high concentrations cause severe irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. Citronellol is also an allergen. But we note that these substances are in the means for cleaning in small concentrations and in principle do not carry danger (we used to say that there is also lemon in Frosch glass cleaner). However, it is not clear why all these three substances are part of the washing liquid.

Composition

MR. proper: less than 5% non-ionic surfactants; preservatives, flavoring agents, citral, citronellol, geraniol, hexylamine aldehyde, limonene, linalool.

Toilet Cleaners

Cleaner for toilet Comet "Ocean"

Anionic surfactants here are less than 5% - this is acceptable. They honestly write to us that there are flavoring additives in the composition, but which ones, we again do not know. For disinfectants - formic and sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid, indeed, kills all living things, because it is a very strong oxidant. In case of contact with skin or mucous membrane, there will be a chemical burn. It should definitely be written in large letters that you can only work in gloves with a sufficient degree of protection.

We do not know what the concentration of sulfuric acid is - the manufacturer may not indicate this - that is, it is not known how dangerous this tool is. Although we, as consumers, have the right to know how we wash our home.

In general, it is not necessary to dilute sterility. Excessive level of disinfection didn’t bring anyone to the good because we live in an infectious environment. Going out into the street, you will be surrounded by a wide variety of living organisms, and we ourselves contain a large number of bacteria. Of course, coming home, you need to wash your hands. How much, for example, dirt on the same mobile phones, which wherever they are. But if you constantly sterilize everything, your children, for example, will not form a normal flora in the intestine, because they must receive certain bacteria in order to form a reaction to them.

Everything that you have washed the floor evaporates and remains in a confined space, even if you have ventilated it. I read on the Internet reviews about one tool for cleaning floors. The man writes: “Yes, that was the smell — it aired the day, but it killed all the microbes.” But what do people think if they have a day smell? This is generally a headache for all manufacturers of environmentally-friendly cosmetics and cleaning products: our man believes that if he does not foam and does not smell, then it does not work.

Cleaner for toilet "toilet duck" 5 in 1

The composition of the “toilet duckling” is similar to Comet. Here they indicate the concentration of hydrochloric acid: not less than 5% and not more than 15%. Hydrochloric acid is always toxic, and in contact with oxidizing agents it forms extremely toxic chlorine gas. 15% hydrochloric acid will burn you on your skin. Propionaldehyde can cause allergic reactions, coughing, difficulty breathing, sore throat. It should be understood that with age, the skin loses its protective function and becomes more sensitive.

On the packaging of a large number of precautions. We honestly write that we must be careful, there are exclamation marks, “if it hits the eyes it causes irreversible consequences” - this is honestly written by the manufacturer. How can the remedy we use at home be so toxic? "Apply a remedy, leave for 60 minutes" - can you imagine what a nightmare? But the manufacturer is not guilty of anything, he honestly explained everything to us, than his means is dangerous. Strong acids on the skin cause irreparable harm. Is it worth it for the sake of dubious pleasure to have a sterile toilet to hold containers with such substances in the house? Especially in the house where there are children.

Unfortunately, in Russia the use of these substances is legal, there are no grounds on which it would be possible to prohibit funds containing potentially dangerous components for sale. There is no specialized media, they are not taught anywhere to understand the composition of substances, and people do not have time for this.

Universal remedy Domestos "Lemon freshness"

The composition does not indicate the proportion of anionic surfactants, and this is wrong. (" On the label of the universal product Domestos “Lemon freshness” the composition is indicated, including the proportion of anionic surfactants, in the following form:<5%: гипохлорит натрия, анионные ПАВ, неионогенные ПАВ, мыло, отдушки, что полностью соответствует требованиям законодательства Евразийского экономического союза (Единые санитарные требования) к маркировке товаров бытовой химии “- Andrey Vasilevsky corrects us, the manager of the department of research and development (R & D) of the category of household chemical goods of Unilever, - ed.).

Sodium hypochlorite has significant antibacterial activity and really quickly kills microorganisms on your plumbing. However, it is important to understand that when you brush something, you lean over the surface and breathe it. Due to the possible release of chlorine vapor, an irritating effect on the mucous membrane may occur. Contact with hypochlorite in the eyes can cause a chemical burn.

When working with such substances, it is imperative to observe safety measures, at least to work with gloves. Do not store in areas with high temperatures. It should be guaranteed out of the reach of children.

Composition

comet: less than 5% anionic surfactants, disinfectants (formic and sulfuric acids), flavoring agents.

"Toilet duck":water, hydrochloric acid\u003e 5% but<15 %, н-ПАВ <5 %, отдушка, амфотерные ПАВ <5 %, краситель, 2-(4-третбутилбензил), пропиональдегид.

Domestos: <5 % гипохлорид натрия, анионные ПАВ, неионогенные ПАВ, мыло, отдушка.

Dishwashing liquid

Fairy "Tender Hands"

Here, the content of anionic surfactants exceeds the level of environmental safety. For humans, the main danger is the release of bound toxic elements (for example, heavy metals) and their ingestion. Such a high level of surfactant reduces the washability of the product: to wash the Fairy off the plate, you need to spend a lot of water. That is, you washed the plate and think that it is clean. But when you put food there, for example, soup is poured, the remnants of the funds are mixed with your soup. It is clear that this is not 15 grams, it is trace concentrations. But if you wash the dishes with this tool every time, every time you have a little money on your plate, it turns out that you are slowly poisoning yourself.

Limonen - we have already said - can cause asthma, problems with breathing, and linalool can cause allergies. Citronellol is included in the list of ingredients limited to use in the territory of the European Union on the basis of their probable allergenicity.

As an alternative to washing dishes, you can use soda and mustard powder. They are quite inexpensive. Mustard powder perfectly launders fat even in cold water.

Composition

Fairy: Anionic surfactants 5–15%, non-ionic surfactants less than 5%, fragrance, preservatives, citronellol, limonene, linalool.

Air freshener

Freshener Glade "Flower perfection"

Air fresheners are inexpensive, many of them are produced in Russia. Perhaps that is why they are in almost every toilet. Manufacturers expect that you will spray it on an area of \u200b\u200b20-25 square meters. meters, - this is what they write on individual cylinders. Who of us has a toilet of such a size?

All air fresheners have a similar composition. Isobutane, propane and butane are gases that capture the smell. They can also cause contact dermatitis, including on the mucous membrane. As you understand, everything that is sprayed into the air automatically settles on the skin, hair, can get into the eyes or end up on the oral mucosa (and then you swallow it).

There are the very phosphonates that we talked about: when released into the water, they cause flowering of water bodies. And they still fall into the water through the drains of sewage.

The composition of the aerosols are also solvents. Here it is an aqueous solution of ammonia (or ammonia). Probably most of us know that it is used to restore breathing during fainting.

From the use of air fresheners with such a composition is better to refrain. Unlike washing powder or dishwashing detergent, you can do without it. In public areas there is an alternative - stationary automatic dispensers, which inject the air freshener into the air, among them there are a number with a safer composition. At home, you can use liquid eco-certified air fresheners, which are inserted into the sticks.

Composition

Glade: demineralized water, butane / propane / isobutane less than 15% but not more than 30%, n-surfactant<5 %, фосфонаты <5 %, отдушка, растворитель, водный
ammonia solution, preservative, linalool, d-limonene.

Tatyana Bykovskaya

Chief Doctor of the Aesthetic Medicine Clinic Premium Aesthetics, dermatocosmetologist

The main function of the skin - the barrier. It protects our internal organs from the physical and chemical effects of the environment. Many substances can damage the DNA of cells and cause oncology or trigger a cascade of immune reactions in the wrong way and cause immune cells to attack their own tissues - that is, allergic reactions. And the main barriers are the hydrolipid mantle of the skin and the special structure of the upper layer in the form of bricks, which do not let in either fat or water-soluble substances. But this protection is adapted to substances found in nature, and is powerless against aggressive chemicals, which is part of many modern household chemicals. The tools that people used before were mostly natural and plant-based, but time dictates its own terms. Requirements for the effect of household chemicals are growing - we all want the product used to clean quickly and completely. We pay for this with contact and allergic dermatitis and bronchial asthma. I myself use Sonett detergents that do not cause allergic reactions.

Presented on the Russian market fully comply with the mandatory requirements of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Russian Federation, including compliance with the “Uniform sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements for goods subject to sanitary-epidemiological supervision (control)”. Products released to the market undergo strict control in the form of a procedure for assessing (confirming) compliance in the form of state registration with the subsequent declaration of compliance. Tests of goods are carried out in the laboratories of Rospotrebnadzor. Therefore, any allegations that the products of companies that are members of APPIK BH do not comply with current regulations are groundless and unreliable.

Ekaterina Pushkova

Allergist-immunologist

medical center "Atlas"

Allergy is the body's hypersensitivity to something. If we talk about household chemicals, then both skin and mucous can react negatively: swelling, itching, rashes, nasal congestion, redness of the eyes, sneezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. Of course, the likelihood of a problem depends primarily on the state of the body and its allergic background. It can be determined using laboratory research methods. Any substance can act as a provocateur, especially if it has a strong odor. Repeated contacts increase the likelihood of allergies. In order to avoid trouble, you can give the following tips: to ventilate the room well during cleaning, to use gloves, to avoid contact with the mucous membranes of chemistry. People with a high allergic background, the so-called allergy sufferers, should, if possible, minimize the use of detergents or choose products labeled "hypoallergenic."

material preparation: Kira Palchikova

.:: 24.09.2013

The question worries mummies since the appearance of the newborn. Too often, we are frightened by allergies to detergents and harmful surfactants that remain on clothes. Just as often the question arises whether to boil the laundry, do you need to iron it twice or four?

Some mothers prefer to wash the clothes of the newborn with their hands and only with baby soap.

In fact, there is no need to wash diapers and vests with hands, unless you do not yet have a washing machine. The washing machine does not know how to wash with lumpy soap, but most machines have a double rinse function. Boiling is also not necessary. Actually boiling is not necessary for disinfection, but in order to wash out the yellow or green stains that remain from the babies' toilet. However, the washing machine copes with such stains at a washing temperature of 700 ° C, as a last resort, you can set the temperature to 900 ° C.

Moms are offered a large selection of washing powders, mainly for colored baby clothes. Children of allergy sufferers, who really suffer from the slightest microscopic traces of powders on clothes, are in fact not as many as they seem. The emerging environmental boom, affecting all spheres of human life: natural cosmetics, clean air, clean water, eco-friendly products, eco-fashion, and even eco-design, sowed a real panic among moms.

Indeed, in polyclinics there are large queues to an allergist, however, not everything is as bad as it seems at first glance. If you are a real eco-mama, then most likely you are skeptical about such common washing powders as Eared Nannies, Aistenok, Denis, etc.

The disadvantages of these powders is a high content of harmful substances.

Eared nannies. Washing powder. Composition: Sulfates (15-30%), phosphates (15-30%), oxygen-containing bleaching agents (5-15%), anionic surfactants (5-15%), carbonates (5-15%), silicates (5-15 %), non-ionic surfactants (<5%), пеногаситель (<5%), энзимы, оптические отбеливатели, отдушка.
Aistenok Extra- soft with Aloe Vera. Ingredients: 5% -15% natural fat based soap, oxygen bleach, phosphates,<5% неионогенные ПАВ, силикат натрия, поликарбоксилаты, активатор отбеливания. Дополнительно: экстракт Алое Вера, активнее добавки для удаления пятен (энзимы), оптический отбеливатель, пенорегулятор, фосфонаты, ароматические добавки.
Children's myth (Procter & Gamble). Ingredients: 5-30% phosphates, 5-15% anionic surfactants,<5% неионогенные ПАВ, кислородсодержащий отбеливатель, поликарбоксилаты, мыло, энзимы, оптический отбеливаетль, отдушка.
Tide (Tide) child plus (Procter & Gamble). Composition: 15-30% phosphates, 5-15% anionic surfactants, oxygen-containing bleach,<5% ЭДТА, неионогенные ПАВ, поликарбоксилаты, оптические отбеливатели, энзимы, отдушка, экстракт ромашки.

Most mothers are washed with these products and do not think about it. The main plus of these powders is the availability in shops and a small price. Some have contact allergies - the skin of the hands turns red during hand washing. However, these cases are rare, they appear clearly immediately after washing. The remaining damage caused by the remnants of washing powder is almost imperceptible immediately.

Anionic (anionic) surfactants or anionic surfactants are compounds that dissociate in aqueous solutions with the formation of anions, causing surface activity. It is surfactants that provide soap and detergents with soap and foam.

In general, surfactants are divided into those that are rapidly destroyed in the environment and those that are not destroyed, and can accumulate in organisms in unacceptable concentrations — anionic surfactants are so dangerous. By the way, they are contained not only in laundry detergents, but also in shampoos and cosmetics. The most common ingredient is SLS, sodium lauryl sulfate. Unfortunately, anionic surfactants are able to penetrate the skin causing local redness, peeling and cracking.

In addition, all of the above means for washing (and Eared nannies, and Aistenok, and MYTH, and Tide) contain phosphates.

Phosphates (phosphorus compounds) - the second category of harmful substances, which increases the penetration of anionic surfactants through the skin, but in addition they are harmful by themselves. They are added to laundry detergents to soften the water and provide better laundry. They also enter the body through the skin, and are able to influence the composition and quality of blood. Unfortunately, very often the phosphate content stated in the detergent composition is greatly underestimated.

Other components of washing powder

Aantiresorbents - used to prevent dirt particles from settling on the fabric again (these include silicates, CMC, sodium tripolyphosphate).

Chemical and optical bleach - responsible for the whiteness of the fabric. When washing without bleach, the laundry gradually acquires a grayish tint. Preference should be given to powders that contain oxygen bleach (sodium perborate, or sodium percaronate).

Enzymes are responsible for removing specific contaminants (for example, blood stains, coffee, tea, sauces).

Sodium silicates - I increase the activity of surfactants, prevent re-deposition of contaminants (i.e. helps to keep dirt particles in solution in suspension), stabilize the pH, reduce the dust formation of powders.

Sodium carbonate (soda) softens water and converts grease to the solution.

Sodium sulfate contributes to the manifestation of the maximum effect of surfactants, which is important with their low content.

Sodium Polyacrylate - emulsifying, stabilizing and thickening polymer, has toxic properties. Unfortunately, it is widely used in cosmetics and medicines (ointments and gels).

Phosphonates - added as a water softener are a softer alternative to phosphates, these are also phosphorus compounds.

By the way, a number of imported washing powders reduce the toxicity of their product by excluding phosphates from the composition. The famous company Ecover positions its products as environmentally friendly, non-allergenic, etc. etc. They don’t have special laundry detergents for baby clothes, but many mothers buy universal laundry detergents, believing that they are more suitable for washing baby clothes than special baby clothes from other manufacturers.

Ecover Non-Bio Concentrated Washing Powder - Ingredients: 15-30%: Anionic surfactants, Zeolite, Oxygen-based bleaching agent, 5-15%: Non-ionic surfactants, Sodium silicate<5%: Soap, TAED, Polypeptides, Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, Parfum, Sodium sulphate, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Aluminium Silicate.

Composition: 15-30% anionic bio-surfactant, zeolites, oxygen bleach, 5-15% non-ionic bio-surfactant, sodium silicate,<5% мыло, активатор отбеливателя, полипептид, цитрат натрия, натриевая соль карбоксиметилцеллюлозы, сульфат натрия, глюконат натрия, бикарбонат натрия.

Please note that the mark of bio-surfactant is only in Russian translation. In addition, in the Russian composition is not specified perfume (Parfum). So do you believe domestic marketers? By the way, only in Russian online stores there is a postscript: "Suitable for children and adults who are prone to allergies."

Also popular laundry detergent Ecover ZERO Ecover ZERO Non-Bio Washing Powder. Ingredients: 15-30% Anionic surfactants, Zeolite, Oxygen-based bleaching agent, 5-15% Nonionic surfactants, Sodium silicate.

Composition: 15-30% anionic surfactants, zeolites, sodium carbonate, 5-15% non-ionic eco-surfactants, sodium silicate, sodium bicarbonate.

Please note that this is not an advertisement for the Ecover powder, unfortunately, it has been found that this product often has a different composition from the manufacturer from the Russian translation on the label! Moreover, "our" suppliers skillfully put their labels on the "right" places on the packaging. On the official website of the German company "Ecover" all full declarations of the compositions of funds were deleted, after numerous claims of consumers to the environmental friendliness of raw materials. By the way, the prefix Non-Bio means that there are no biological enzymes and enzymes in this powder. The reason for the appearance of such powders is that Ecover was accused of using GMO enzymes.

It is almost impossible to avoid surfactants in the composition of laundry detergents, but Ecover manufacturers replaced surfactants derived from petroleum products and containing harmful impurities with the same surfactants, but derived from plant materials. As a result, the washing qualities of washing powder did not lose, and the environmental ones increased significantly.

Washing powders deserve attention

Baby Speci (Spain). Ingredients: Zeolites 15-30%, anionic surfactants 5-15%, less than 5%: non-ionic surfactants, polycarboxylates, soap, flavors (hexyl zinnamol, linalool, limonene, butylphenyl methylpropional), optical bleach.
Domal Baby Fashion - Liquid detergent (Germany). Ingredients: 5-15% anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, soaps, less than 5% phosphonates, enzymes (protease, amylase), preservative (benzisothiozolinone, methylisothiazolinone), chamomile extract.
Dalli Sensitive. Gel for washing baby clothes (Germany). Ingredients: 5-15% anionic detergents (anionic surfactants), soap, less than 5% nianionic detergents, contains optical bleach, fragrance.
Children's powder Regent for white linen (Denmark). Composition: 5-15% - zeolite and anionic surfactants,<5 % - кислородосодержащие отбеливатели, неиногенные ПАВ, мыло, поликарбоксилаты, энзимы, фосфонаты.

Oddly enough, this group of washing powders could not find the composition in English. It seems that they are delivered only to Russia.

The big minus of IVF powders is that they contain, although less, but still harmful substances. For example, zeolites are synthetic sodium aluminosilicates. They do not dissolve in water, and if the laundry is badly rinsed out, the smallest particles remain between the fibers of the fabric. Zeolites soften water in the washing process, therefore they replace phosphates in the formulation of washing powders. However, zeolites are abrasive, and they are not biodegradable - this leads to serious problems in the treatment of drinking water. Therefore, in many countries (Canada, Japan, etc.) washing powders with phosphates and zeolites are prohibited.

All of the above-mentioned washing powders have a rather high price and are not available to everyone. They are sold most often in online stores. Price - the main obstacle to the fact that moms massively switched to environmental, fully decomposable detergents. For many, they simply can not afford.

Many skeptics, not without reason, believe that manufacturers of ECO-powders are silent about the true composition of their washing products. I would also like to add that you shouldn’t rush to buy any money with the words “for children”. Very often the phrases: “designed specifically for children's underwear” are nothing more than a publicity stunt. Be sure to read the composition of the purchased product.

Therefore, the only way to get rid of chemical residues of laundry detergents on clothes is repeated rinsing. Unfortunately, studies have shown that even two rinses are not enough. Ideally, there should be 4-6 gargles, which is practically unrealistic.

An alternative to expensive imported products could be our Russian, some manufacturers have tried to minimize the harmful substances in the composition of children's powders.

For example, washing powder Kurnosiki. Ingredients: surfactants, complexing agents, carbonates, silicates, sulfates, optical bleach, defoamer.

However, the reviews about this powder are simply disgusting: “He has no smell and he does not foam well. Lingerie like a broom, tough! To wash it might be better. Then you have to reach the spots with your hands with soap. Purereshki and juices do not wash at all. After washing, loose powder particles remain in some places on the clothes. ”

Indeed, the washing properties of laundry detergents fall sharply as soon as some of the harmful components are removed. Phosphate-free Kurnosiki erase worse than phosphate Eared Nurses. The quality of the washed linen without such allergenic fragrances and softeners is very low. Who wants to wear burlap? Therefore, there is a need to use air conditioners, which also contain harmful impurities and, by the way, do not wash off!

Another safer alternative to Ushastoma nanny is the Dosia Baby Washing Powder Dosia. Composition: less than 5% anionic surfactant, nonanionic surfactant, polycarboxylates, 5% or more, but not more than 15% oxygen-containing bleach, zeolites, antifoam, enzymes, optical bleach, fragrance. GOST R 52488-2005.

As well as the laundry detergent Nanny for washing baby clothes and diapers. Composition< 5 % - энзимы, перкарбонат натрия, функциональные полимеры, цитрат натрия, больше или равно > 5% but< 15 % - биоразлагаемые неионогенные тензиды (ПАВ), карбонат натрия; > (greater than or equal to) 15%, but< 30 % - натрия сульфат, не содержит ароматизаторов.

How to wash baby clothes

If you use powders with a very gentle composition, without phosphates and bleaches, with a low content of surfactants, before washing the laundry in the car, lock the fresh stains by hand. Regular laundry soap, or for example, using the Frau Schmidt Soap Stain Remover. The composition of soap: soap (over 30%), bile soap (up to 5%), soap root extract, fragrance. Old stains from purees or juices it does not wipe off, but it copes with fresh ones perfectly.

If you already have a detergent containing phosphates, anionic surfactants or zeolites, you can try to reduce their effect as follows:

Do not load the washing machine to capacity. If the washing machine is designed for 5 kg of linen, try to load no more than 3-4 kg, while not putting the washing mode “floor of the tank”, and wash in full: this way the laundry is better rinsed.
Do not add more powder than necessary. to the min mark, or slightly higher. If there are stains on clothes, it is better to soak the laundry in advance and wash the stains with laundry soap. Thirdly, put the spin on the full amplitude of the revolutions of the drum.
Use the double rinse mode. Use more water, but fewer traces of powder will remain.
Do not use the short laundry program. The linen on such programs is washed up well, and rinses badly.
Enzymes in the composition of powders are effective at a temperature not higher than 38-40 ° С, therefore, very often after washing, traces of stains remain on clothes. To reduce contamination, before washing, rub a small gruel of laundry detergent (if it contains enzymes, of course) into the fabric, in places of stains. Leave for half an hour, and then, without washing it away, throw it in the machine.
On the other hand, oxygen bleaches, which are part of eco-friendly powders or washing gels, are effective only at temperatures above 60 ° C. Therefore, for a white linen washing at a lower temperature is not effective.
If you have an allergic child, use baby soap powder for washing, for example, the company "Our Mother" or "World of Childhood." Their composition: sodium salts of fatty acids, edible fats, palm and coconut oils. It can be in the form of a powder or gel. Of course, the laundry after washing will not smell alpine herbs, just the smell of pure matter. And do not count on a special softness, especially if you have hard water. However, you can always rinse the laundry to the child in filtered or boiled water, and ironing will give softness. Soap powders are by far the safest remedies. However, they have a technical drawback - poor leaching (this is just soap chips), so soap powder is poured directly into the drum of the washing machine, and not into the powder compartment.

SPAV represent an extensive group of compounds, different in their structure, belonging to different classes. These substances are able to adsorb on the interface and, as a result, lower the surface energy (surface tension). Depending on the properties shown by synthetic surfactants when dissolved in water, they are divided into anionic substances (the anion is the active part), cationic (the cation is the active part of the molecules), ampholytic and non-ionic, which are not ionized at all.

Anionic surfactants in aqueous solution, ionize to form negatively charged organic ions. Of anionic surfactants, salts of sulfate esters (sulfates) and salts of sulfonic acids (sulfonates) are widely used. The radical R can be alkyl, alkylaryl, alkyl-naphthyl, have double bonds and functional groups.

Cationic surfactants - substances that are ionized in aqueous solution with the formation of positively charged organic ions. These include quaternary ammonium salts, consisting of: a straight chain hydrocarbon radical containing 12-18 carbon atoms; methyl, ethyl or benzyl radical; chlorine, bromine, iodine, or methyl or ethyl sulfate residue.

Ampholytic surfactants Ionized in an aqueous solution in various ways, depending on the environmental conditions: they show cationic properties in acidic solutions, and anionic properties in alkaline solutions.

Nonionic surfactants they are high-molecular compounds that do not form ions in aqueous solution.

The water bodies of synthetic detergents come in significant quantities from household (use of synthetic detergents in everyday life) and industrial wastewater (textile, oil, chemical industry, synthetic rubber production), as well as from agricultural land (as emulsifiers are included in composition of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and defoliants).

The main factors lowering their concentration are the processes of biochemical oxidation, sorption by suspended solids and bottom sediments. The degree of biochemical oxidation of detergents depends on their chemical structure and environmental conditions.

According to biochemical stability, determined by the structure of molecules, synthetic surfactants are divided into soft, intermediate and hard with biochemical oxidation rate constants, respectively, at least 0.3 days -1; 0.3-0.05 day -1; less than 0.05 day -1. Among the most easily oxidized synthetic surfactants are primary and secondary alkyl sulphates of normal structure. With an increase in the branching of the chain, the oxidation rate decreases, and the alkyl benzene sulfonates prepared on the basis of propylene tetramers are most difficult to decompose.

With decreasing temperature, the oxidation rate of synthetic detergents decreases and at 0-5 ° C it proceeds very slowly. The most favorable for the process of self-purification from synthetic surfactants is neutral or weakly alkaline environment ( pH7-9).

With an increase in the content of suspended substances and significant contact of the water mass with bottom sediments, the rate of decrease in the concentration of surfactants in water usually increases due to sorption and coprecipitation. With a significant accumulation of synthetic surfactants in bottom sediments under aerobic conditions, microflora of bottom sludge is oxidized. In the case of anaerobic conditions, synthetic surfactants can accumulate in the bottom sediments and become a source of secondary pollution of the reservoir.

The maximum amount of oxygen (BOD) consumed by 1 mg / dm 3 of various surfactants ranges from 0 to 1.6 mg / dm 3. During biochemical oxidation of synthetic surfactants, various intermediate decomposition products are formed: alcohols, aldehydes, organic acids, etc. As a result of the decomposition of synthetic surfactants containing a benzene ring, phenols are formed.

In surface waters, synthetic surfactants are in a dissolved and sorbed state, as well as in a surface film of water in a water body.

In weakly polluted surface waters, the concentration of detergents usually varies between thousandths and hundredths of a milligram in 1 dm 3. In zones of water pollution the concentration rises to tenths of a milligram, near sources of pollution it can reach several milligrams per 1 dm 3.

Getting into reservoirs and watercourses, detergents have a significant impact on their physico-biological state, worsening the oxygen regime and organoleptic properties, and persist there for a long time, since they decompose very slowly. Negative, from the hygienic point of view, the property of surfactants is their high foaming ability. Although synthetic surfactants are not highly toxic substances, there is evidence of their indirect effects on aquatic organisms. At concentrations of 5-15 mg / dm 3, the fish lose their mucous membrane, at higher concentrations gill bleeding may be observed.

The MPC in the surfactant is 0.5 mg / dm 3, the MPC vr is 0.1 mg / dm 3.

Nonionic surfactants (nonionic surfactants)

The toxic effect of nonionic surfactants is determined mainly by the non-polar part of the molecule, while it is more pronounced when there is an aromatic ring in the latter.

MPC in most nonionic surfactants (preparations OP-7, OP-10, OC-20, oxanol KSh-9, oxanol L-7, proxamemin 385, proxanolate 186, sintamide, syntanols, HH-7, etc.) 0.1 mg / DM 3, the limiting indicator of harm - organoleptic (foaming). Since these compounds have the same standard with the same hazard indicator, during sanitary and chemical control it can be limited to determining their total content.

Polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide is a solid, amorphous, white or partially transparent, odorless substance, soluble in water. Molecular weight is up to 5 500 000.

Polyacrylamide is used as a flocculant in the clarification of wastewater, coagulant in metallurgy, flotation agent, dispersant, thickener. It is contained in wastewater from sulphate pulp mills and processing plants.

In water, polyacrylamide is gradually hydrolyzed to the ammonium salt of polyacrylic acid.

MPC - 2 mg / dm 3 (limiting hazard indicator - sanitary-toxicological), MPC vr - 0.01 mg / dm 3 (limiting hazard indicator - toxicological).

Surfactants are divided into those that are rapidly destroyed in the environment and those that are not destroyed and can accumulate in organisms in unacceptable concentrations. One of the main negative effects of surfactants in the environment is a decrease in surface tension. For example, in the ocean, a change in surface tension leads to a decrease in CO 2 and oxygen retention in the body of water. Only a few surfactants are considered safe (alkyl polyglucosides), since their degradation products are carbohydrates. However, when adsorbing surfactant on the surface of particles of earth / sand, the degree / speed of their degradation decreases many times. Since almost all surfactants used in industry and households have positive adsorption on particles of earth, sand, clay, under normal conditions they can release (desorb) heavy metal ions held by these particles, and thereby increase the risk of these substances entering the human organism.

Synthetic surfactants that are part of municipal and industrial wastewater, are currently one of the priority polluters of the aquatic environment. There is information about the toxicometric characteristics of these compounds and their influence on the physiological and biochemical processes in organisms of aquatic organisms, including in a number of generations.

So when experimenting with the washing powder "Lotos" and clams, it was revealed:

in the concentration of synthetic surfactants “Lotos” 140 mg / l, the reproductive function was suppressed, the mollusks did not multiply. The concentration of 56 mg / l contributed to the rapid deposition of egg capsules, but their number was less than in the control. The number of young hatched was 51% of the number of eggs laid. The average size of the shells and their daily increase in growth of hatched young mollusks was at the level of control. At a concentration of 28 mg / l, the mollusks began to lay egg cocoons later than at a concentration of 56 mg / l and control, the size of the clutches was at the level of control. The number of young hatched was 57% of the number of eggs laid. The daily increase in growth and shell size 30 days after hatching was also at the control level.

Thus, large concentrations of synthetic surfactants, washing powder "Lotus", inhibit the reproductive function of lymnaeastagnalis (l). Smaller concentrations of synthetic surfactants “Lotos” are the most toxic for mollusks at the egg stage, since embryo survival is 40% lower than in pure water. Environmental pollution with synthetic surface-active substances leads to a decrease in the number of mollusks due to the low survival rate of embryos.