Detergent

Composition

The detergents contain:

of the Detergent S (Tensioactif S) which increases the damping of fabrics, coats the stains, detaches them from the linen then maintain them dispersed in water (alkylbenzène-sulphonate, Savon, laurylsulfate, dodécylbenzène-sulphonate, etc).
of the alkaline compounds, which increase the effectiveness of surface-active while acting on the '' p '' H of water so that there remains high (borates, carbonates);
of the sequestering agents (chelating), improperly called antiliming, which trap calcium, which increases the effectiveness of the detergents (citrates, metaphosphates, polyphosphates, Zéolite S, EDTA, NTA, phosphonates). If there are no antiliming in a formula, it is necessary to use more the surface-active ones;
of the products complexants, also called agents anti-redeposition, which prevent the stains trapped by the surface-active ones to redeposit itself on the linen (ex: Carboxymethyl cellulose, Phosphonate S);
of the Enzyme S, which degrade the organic molecules by splitting them in smaller particles. The various enzymes act on various spots: the Lipase S act on the fatty spots (lipids), the proteases act on the protein spots (Sang, grass, etc). The enzymes are effective even in small quantity and at low temperature;
of the bleaching agents, which oxidize the molecules (Perborate S, Percarbonate S, Peroxyde S);
of optical blueings, which absorb ultraviolet rays and re-emit blue light, so that the linen appears more luminous and more white;
of the ballast, granular material of filling which facilitates the handling of the powders;
of water, if the detergent is liquid.
of the preserving S
of the Perfume

Environmental impact

The detergents are found in waste water. After a treatment in Purification plant, the waste water is released in nature.

The detergents generate important a Pollution, from the presence of more or less unstable molecules (unstable or mobile), poisons and remanent:

the detergents, by forming foams, decrease the oxygenation of water. Their surface-active properties enable them to solubilize toxic molecules and, thus, to ensure their diffusion in the aquatic environments. Following the example Pesticides known as hormono-mimetic (modulating endocriniens), certain detergents are strongly suspectés to interfere with the metabolism of the animals, in particular of the Amphibien S (Anoures, Urodèles), of fish and the man. They could be at the origin of the changes of sex of molluscs and fish, of the drastic decline of the frog populations and the reduction in the human spermatogenèse. The surface-active ones poured in water react in contact with salt and return by air destroying the pines of the Mediterranean coastline;
By increasing the p H of water, the alkaline ones can disturb the balance of the watery ecosystems, generating chorologic modifications;
the Phosphate S are not toxic by themselves - phosphorus is a major element for the living organisms - but are often at the origin of the phenomenon of Eutrophisation (green tides) and thus from now on are often replaced by zeolites;
the chelating ones are sometimes very toxic: The EDTA (tetraacetic Acide éthylènediamine) form of the extremely stable complexes with metals, such iron of hemoglobin, which in fact a poison;
the bleaching agents are powerful oxidants and can thus destroy the organic matter;
the detergents contain derivative products of the oil which is a very polluting industry. The additional additives (dye S, preserving S, etc) can also act on the environment.

Origins

The first detergents containing soap date from the end of the XIXe century. However, it is only from 1930 that the “modern” detergent makes its appearance. The soap is then replaced by Tensioactifs of synthesis. Before that, one used also natural detergents 100% containing wood ash to come to end from the rebellious spots. Ash contains Potasse - chemical compound derived from the Potassium - which dissolves the Graisse S. One used also the Saponaire, a plant with the identical effects. But to remove the linen from these substances, it had then to be beaten interminably…

Consumption

In order to put itself in conformity with an applicable European directive in March 2005, the French Association of the industrialists of detergency (Afise) decided to mention the presence of all preserving as that of 26 substances allergisantes when their ponderal proportion exceeds 0,01%. Moreover, the Industrie ls negotiate with the Gouvernement French an engagement of reduction of the quantities of detergent per amount: the powder amount passed from 150 Gram S in 1998 to 100 grams in 2005, and any more but 60 to 70 grams in 2010 should not be. Taking into account the number of washings - approximately five billion per annum -, that represents 500.000 tons of product.

The Councils of use

An ecologically responsible attitude consists with:

to privilege the less polluting detergents:

to prefer the powders with the liquids, richer in surface-active;
to choose the detergents containing of zeolites instead of phosphates;
to avoid the polishing substances, perfumes, dyes and others composed of synthesis.

to use the detergents rationally:

essangeage : a simple preliminary steeping of the linen makes it possible to wet fibers and to remove the filth;
not surdoser the detergent and to use less product when there is little linen or when it is not very dirty
to use less product if water used is soft (i.e its total Dureté is lower than 15 °f);
the enzymatic activity being maximum towards a temperature of 40 °C, the detergents with the enzymes will remove best the organic spots at low temperature.
the balls of washing are balls which beat the linen in the washing machine and make it possible to use less detergent

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