Contents

Detergents

Journal:
Manual of European Environmental Policy
ISSN:
1467-0445
E-ISSN:
1740-3529
Publisher:
Routledge,
DOI:
10.3763/meep.2010.0073
Author:
Institute for European Environmental Policy
Information last updated:
April 2012
Publication date:
April 2012

In the 1950s widespread foaming of rivers resulted from the growing domestic use of ‘hard’ detergents, which are difficult to break down by sewage treatment. This foam is unpleasant to look at, impairs photosynthesis and oxygenation of water and interferes with the sewage treatment process. ‘Soft’ or more biodegradable detergents were subsequently developed, and one purpose of the Directives was to prevent the sale of ‘hard’ detergents. The other purpose was to ensure free trade in detergents within the Community.

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