European bans on surfactant trigger transatlantic debate

Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) have been banned in Europe since 1986 when it was discovered that their breakdown products are highly toxic to aquatic organisms than their intact precursors. Recent evidence that some APE breakdown products are weakly estrogenic has magnified public concern over their environmental and human health effects and has spurred more regulatory restrictions. The Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) has been studying APE to determine its presence in aquatic waters and in sewage treatment plants as well as the degradation mechanisms of this compound. The results of CMA's panel studies have served as a basis for regulations enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency.