Current status of human safety and environmental aspects of fluorescent whitening agents used in detergents in the United States

Abstract

Fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) are incorporated into household detergents at approximately 0.5% dry weight in order to maintain fabric whiteness during laundering. Seven different FWAs are currently used in American detergents produced by the major manufacturers. In 1974, 11 million 1b of these seven compounds were used in detergent manufacture and had the potential for appearing in laundry effluent. As such, FWAs can be identified routinely in sewage. The concentration in various natural waters and in fish caught in polluted waters is commonly on the order of 10 ppb. Only trace quantities have been found in drinking waters. All seven compounds show a low fish toxicity, low biodegradability, and a low potential for bioconcentration. Considerable information is available on the mammalian toxicity of FWAs. Tests of oral toxicity including mutagenicity, teratogenicity, and carcinogenicity which have been completed using high daily doses do not indicate any need for concern. Studies of effects resulting from the topical application of FWAs including phototoxicity and carcinogenicity experiments have been negative. It would appear that no human health hazard or environmental problem area can be expected so long as the seven FWAs now in use continue to be used at levels similar to current practice.