APERC Statement
Detergents Handbook Highlights APEs As Case Study
April 19, 2005

A chapter on alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) written by Dr. Carter Naylor, an expert in surfactant chemistry and environmental risk assessment, was recently published in a surfactant industry standard reference, the Handbook of Detergents. The chapter presents a case study of APEs, a family of popular, widely-used surfactants. Dr. Naylor notes that much of the public information about these compounds is contradictory and that APEs have come under intense scrutiny following claims of environmental and human health hazard. The technical case for their safety and the scientific methods for determining their safety are discussed. Dr. Naylor notes the low degree of risk posed by these widely used surfactants when they are handled and disposed of properly.

The Handbook of Detergents is published by Marcel Dekker. To obtain reprints of the chapter by Dr. Naylor please contact APERC at info@aperc.org.

Last reviewed: May 2, 2005

Site Map   ·   Feedback/Contact Us   ·   Members Only