Alkylphenols (APs) are chemical compounds used primarily to manufacture alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), which are used as cleaning agents or surfactants. APs and APEs have been used widely for more than 50 years. Based on available research:

APs and APEs are biodegradable.

Field studies and laboratory tests show that APs and APEs biodegrade in the presence of oxygen (oxic conditions).

APs and APEs are effectively removed in well-functioning sewage treatment plants.

Numerous studies show that U.S. treatment plants remove over 95% of APs and APEs from industrial wastewater and domestic sewage.

Environmental monitoring in the U.S. and Canada shows that low levels of APs and APEs in rivers and lakes are insignificant.


U.S. studies indicate that AP and APE concentrations in rivers and lakes are below those which may harm fish and other aquatic organisms. Similar results were observed in a Canadian study of the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes.

APs and APEs do not build up in the food chain.


Fish and other aquatic organisms and laboratory animals rapidly metabolize and excrete APs and APEs.

Numerous studies show that normal exposure to APs and APEs does not pose a significant risk to human health.

No direct link has been established between exposure to industrial chemicals in the environment and any adverse effect on humans due to endocrine (hormone) disruption.


A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report released in February 1997 and a December 1996 European conference sponsored by the European Commission, the European Environment Agency, the World Health Organization and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development found no direct link between exposure to industrial chemicals in the environment and any harmful effect on humans due to endocrine disruption. While some AP compounds have shown weak estrogen-like characteristics in laboratory experiments, there is no established link to human health.

For more information or copies of studies referenced above, please contact the APE Research Council.


The APE Research Council, composed of manufacturers, processors, users and raw material suppliers, is working with government and academic scientists to further the understanding of the human health and environmental profile of APs, APEs and APE biodegradation intermediates.
                                                                                                                             

 


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