Phosphates in detergent

Phosphates in detergent refers to the use of phosphates as an ingredient in a detergent product. The advantage of using phosphates in a consumer laundry detergent or dishwashing detergent is that they make detergents more efficient by chelating calcium and magnesium ions. The disadvantage of using phosphates is that they remain in wastewater and eventually make their way to a natural body of water. While phosphates are low toxicity, they instead cause nutrient pollution and feed the algae. This leads to eutrophication and harmful algal bloom.

Many countries have banned the use of phosphates in detergent, including the European Union and the United States.

Independent product testing noted that manufacturers reformulated their products after bans. Those reports indicated that the new products without phosphates were satisfactory.

States including Maine, Florida, and Indiana in the United States began restricting or banning the use of phosphates in laundry detergent in the early 1970s, culminating in a nationwide voluntary ban in 1994. In July of 2010, 17 states followed up with bans on its use in automatic dishwasher detergent.

In 2004, the European Union introduced regulations to require biodegradability in all detergents.

In 2011 the European Commission announced that the European Parliament had ordered a ban of phosphates in consumer laundry detergent by June 2013 and a ban in dishwasher detergent by January 2017.

Australia began phasing out the use of phosphates in its detergents in 2011, with an all-out ban expected to take effect in 2014.

Canada banned some phosphates in detergent in 2011.

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Wikipedia