Ingredient Safety Information
Alkyl Sulphates (AS)
Among the man-made anionic surfactants used in detergents worldwide, alkyl sulphates (AS) rank third in tonnage used, after soap (#1) and LAS (#2). They are used in laundry detergents but also in many specialty products, such as shampoos and bar soaps. Many AS variants are made from natural sources such as coconut oil and animal fats, while others are derived from petrochemicals.
AS are rapidly biodegradable, aerobically as well as anaerobically. AS are nearly completely removed (more than 99%) by traditional wastewater treatment operations.
Depending on the exact variant, AS toxicity ranges from very toxic (EC50 below 1 mg per litre in short-term tests) to not harmful (EC50 above 100 mg per litre) to aquatic organisms.
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AS are rapidly biodegradable, aerobically as well as anaerobically. AS are nearly completely removed (more than 99%) by traditional wastewater treatment operations.
Depending on the exact variant, AS toxicity ranges from very toxic (EC50 below 1 mg per litre in short-term tests) to not harmful (EC50 above 100 mg per litre) to aquatic organisms.
Read more, ingredient info sheet
(PDF file)Put into filesafeRead the full risk assessment in www.heraproject.com
Some Publications by P&G Scientists
- E.J. van de Plassche, J.H.M. de Bruijn, R.R. Stephenson, S.J. Marshall, T.C.J. Feijtel et S.E. Belanger. Predicted No-Effect Concentrations and Risk Characterization of Four Surfactants: Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate, Alcohol Ethoxylates, Alcohol Ethoxylated Sulfates, and Soap. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 18 (11), 2653-2663, 1999.
- T.C.J. Feijtel, J. Struijs et E. Matthijs. Exposure Modeling of Detergent Surfactants - Prediction of 90th-Percentile Concentrations in The Netherlands. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 18 (11), 2645-2652, 1999.
- E. Matthijs, M.S. Holt, A. Kiewiet et G.B.J. Rijs. Environmental Monitoring for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate, Alcohol Ethoxylate, Alcohol Ethoxy Sulfate, Alcohol Sulfate, and Soap. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 18 (11), 2634-2644, 1999.
- Belanger S E, Meiers E M, Bausch R G, Sweeney B N, Hart D D, Jackson J, Wolbach K. Direct and Indirect Ecotoxicological Effects of Alkyl Sulfate and Alkyl Ethoxysulfate on Macroinvertebrates in Stream Mesocosms. Aquatic Toxicology. 33: 65-87, 1995.
- Belanger S E, Rupe K L, Bausch R G. Responses of Invertebrates and Fish to Alkyl Sulfate and Alkyl Ethoxylate Sulfate Anionic Surfactants During Chronic Exposure. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 55: 751-758, 1995.
- Lee D M, Guckert J B, Ventullo R M, Davidson D H, Belanger S E. Stream Periphytic Biodegradation of the Anionic Surfactant, C12-Alkyl Sulfate, at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 36: 288-296, 1997.
