What Are the Effects of Detergents on the Environment?
Quick Answer
The effects of detergents on the environment include the release of substances toxic to humans and other organisms in waste water and the carbon footprint involved in the manufacture of detergents. Additionally, the containers used to store detergents are often not biodegradable or recyclable.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Although waste water from detergents flushes out to sewage treatment plants, the water is not always completely purged of chemicals when it is released back into the environment. Additionally, some detergents are allowed to flow directly into the ground. These wastes contain damaging chemicals. For instance, surfactants, chemicals that allow detergents to foam and absorb solids, release toxins harmful to fish, algae and aquatic invertebrates. Bleaches not only damage fabrics but threaten human health. Colorants are potentially cancer-causing and damage human health in other ways as well. Brighteners and solvents are also toxic to humans and aquatic life.
A carbon footprint indicates how much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere during the manufacture and use of products. The carbon footprint of each load of laundry washed with detergent is one to two pounds, with solid detergent having more of a negative impact than liquid detergent. This is roughly equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide a car emits when it travels a mile.
Learn more about Human ImpactRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Are Some Effects of Human Activities on the Environment?
A: Some of the effects of human activities on the environment include global warming, habitat destruction, land degradation, overpopulation, pollution and res... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Are Some Ways to Prevent Eutrophication?
A: To prevent eutrophication, people must use cleaning agents and detergents that are biodegradable and that do not contain phosphates. To further reduce the ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is a Carbon Footprint?
A: A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide a person contributes to the environment. Too much carbon dioxide can have a harmful effect on the ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Do People Interact With Their Environment?
A: People react to their environment in a variety of ways. The environment sometimes shape these interactions. Sustainability efforts exist to help humans co-... Full Answer >Filed Under:
