April 24, 2001
Ms. Penny Caldwell
Editor
Cottage Life
54 St. Patrick Street
Toronto, Ontario M5T 1V1

Dear Ms. Caldwell:

In his recent article in Cottage Life ("It all comes out in the wash," March 2001), Brad Cundiff makes a number of claims about the use of products containing alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) in particular. Unfortunately, the article leaves the reader with an inaccurate picture about the safety of consumer products containing NPE, an impression that I would like to correct.

Mr. Cundiff's article makes reference to the scientific assessment of NP/NPE by Environment Canada under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The assessment, which considered endocrine issues, concluded that other than in a few cases where industrial levels of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater were discharged, these compounds are not entering Canadian waterways at concentrations that are of concern.

In a cottage setting, a well-functioning septic system provides sufficient treatment of NPE to be protective of nearby surface waters according to the findings of a soon to be published scientific study. In cases where septic treatment is inadequate, the leaching of coliform bacteria -- which carries the risk of serious disease or death -- into surface and ground waters is of greater concern than levels of detergent ingredients. In urban settings, modern wastewater treatment processes typically reduce NPE concentrations to harmless levels before discharge.

It is important to note that the 'CEPA toxic' designation that Environment Canada appears to be favouring with respect to NP/NPE should allow for its continued safe use with proper wastewater treatment. Cottagers and other consumers should be aware that products containing NPE, like many other household products, can continue to be used safely and responsibly.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Fensterheim
Executive Director