Are Phosphate Detergents Safe for the Environment?

The proposed legislation to limit or ban the use of phosphate in detergents by manufacturers needs re-visitation and an immediate response from legislators. The government needs to get actively involved in the protection of our environment because humans are fast becoming creators of environmental pollution, even if unintentionally. We all make those cataleptic choices about the products we use in our household, which might be a threat to our environment.

One of these threats comes from phosphate. Phosphate is a salt of phosphoric acid and is extremely important in living cells, particularly in the storage and use of energy. It is also involved in the transmission of genetic information within a cell and from one cell to another. Phosphate is a nutrient that naturally speeds up the growth of algae in our waterways. The accelerated growth of algae can cause it to spread across the water surface in floating blooms that prevent sunlight from reaching the underlying plants. Phosphate is toxic in high concentrations and must be kept to a minimum in our environment.

Unfortunately, detergent manufacturers are boosting the phosphate concentration in laundry and dishwashing detergents. We, as the consumers of these products, are making a conscious choice to buy these products, use these products and then drain them down the sink, unwittingly polluting the environment! This is a major source of water pollution as the phosphates in these detergents drain into the wastewater system after their use in cleaning. The sewage treatment plant cannot filter the phosphates in the wastewater system (especially in high concentrations) before it flows down to the river and contributes to river contamination. Since all rivers eventually flow into the ocean, we pollute the ocean as well.

Several states have banned the use of phosphates in dishwashing soap and some states have proposed limiting the percentage of phosphorus concentration in laundry detergents. Almost everyone enjoys the effortless use of the automatic dishwasher for cleaning dishes. While most liquid detergents used in hand washing our dishes are phosphate-free, powdered or tablet detergents frequently used in our automatic dishwashers contain 6 to 8 percent of phosphorus by weight. This is about the same percentage of phosphorus in Miracle –Gro that is used in fertilizing houseplants. The water quality of our community needs to be protected and protecting it includes the use of phosphate-free cleaning products.

One of several threats posed by phosphorus pollution is public health. The amount of phosphorus entering the waste water system is substantial enough to create threats to the health of the public. Though phosphates are important substances in the human body because they are a part of DNA materials and they take part in energy distribution, too much phosphate can cause health problems such as kidney damage and osteoporosis. Our bodies generally produce phosphate and we also obtain it in our diet, however, low calcium to phosphorus ratio in the diet increases the incidence of hypertension and the risk of colon-rectal cancer. Phosphorus is one of the main nutrients required by plants for basic process of life. It promotes the growth of algae, which clouds the water and can crowd out other plants. The process of eutrophication increases the growth of algae allowing it to nurture bacteria that depletes the oxygen required by some underwater plants and certain aquatic animals to survive. The depletion of the oxygen leaves little or no oxygen for some plants and fish to continue to exist and they eventually suffocate.

As consumers we need to understand that healthy watersheds are fundamental for a healthy environment and economy. These watersheds provide water for drinking, irrigation for agricultural and industry as well as hydroelectric power for communities and businesses. They are also imperative to our recreational needs, providing opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of our environment.

What can you do to help save the environment? Read the label and follow the instructions on household products. Look for and choose phosphate-free brands that are safe for the environment at your local grocery store.

Choose environmentally safe phosphate-free automatic dishwasher detergents such as Ecover, Seventh Generation, Eco Palmolive and Trader Joe’s brand.

Choose environmentally safe phosphate free laundry detergents such as Green Works from Clorox, Seventh Generation Free and Clear Natural Laundry Detergents. Also, you can always make your own homemade recipe.

Rethink daily habits by taking baby steps and help to reduce water pollution. Share your knowledge with others. Our actions have an extensive impact on the lasting quality of our environment. We can, and must choose to make a difference!

From the Spring 2010 issue of the Environmental News.