ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL LOAD DUE TO DETERGENTS

The environmental load due to detergents is assessable either with pro duct data or with ecological data of the ingredients. Depending on the biodegradability and on the toxicity, the detergents are classified t hen under ''slightly'' ''averagely'' or ''heavily'' polluting categori es. Referring to Swiss conditions, product behaviour in sewage treatme nt plants is classified. A less than or equal to 80% biological degrad ability and a 10 mg/l ecotoxicity limit represent the critical values for products. If more than 1% volatile ingredients are present, the cr itical air volumes of 700 m(3)/kg product, resp. 2000 m(3)/kg product are also considered as decision-making criteria. The present method re presents a pragmatic further development and/or improvement of current assessment systems It is to be noted that the possibility of estimati ng the ecological behaviour of a product on the basis of its formulati on will allow to lower the developing costs.