Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Surfactants
Product Safety Assessment
Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Surfactants
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Names
Product Overview
Manufacture of Product
Product Description
Product Uses
Exposure Potential
Health Information
Environmental Information
Physical Hazard Information
Regulatory Information
Additional Information
References
Names
?CAS No. 127087-87-0 ? Nonylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol ? Polyethoxylate
? Nonylphenol ethoxylate ? Nonylphenyl polyethylene glycol ? Polyoxyethylene nonylphenol
? Alkylaryl polyether alcohols ? Nonylphenol polyoxyethylene
ether NP surfactants
?Polyethylene glycol nonyl
phenyl ether
? Nonoxynol ? NPE ?α-(4-Nonylphenyl)-ω-hydroxy-,
branched
?Polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl
ether
Back to top ? Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) ? TERGITOL? NP series of
nonionic surfactants
Product Overview
?Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are low-cost, low-foaming nonionic surfactants commonly used in cleaning products. They are also used in industrial processes, agricultural
formulations and paints. The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) and affiliated companies of Dow sell NPE under the tradename TERGITOL? NP nonionic surfactants. This product family has various molecular weights and properties. The properties of a particular NPE
depend upon the number of ethoxylate groups that are attached (the number of ether
linkages along the chain), which can vary from just a few up to about one hundred. See
Product Uses, Product Description and Manufacture of Product.
?NPE is a type of alkylphenol ethoxylate (APE). Numerous studies show that, during conditions of normal use, exposures to APEs do not pose a significant risk to human health.1 Because the properties of individual TERGITOL NP surfactants vary, consult the specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the material of interest, or see Health Information. ?Occupational and consumer exposure is possible because NPE is used in a wide variety of products. See Exposure Potential.
?APEs biodegrade in the presence of oxygen to carbon dioxide and water. APEs are effectively removed in well-functioning sewage treatment plants and do not build up in the food chain. Trace levels of APEs found in recent biomonitoring studies do not represent a toxicological concern and are significantly below concentrations deemed to be safe. Although certain alkylphenol compounds have shown weak estrogen-like activity in laboratory animals, the relevance of the AP findings to human health is unclear and is still being debated in the scientific community. It should also be noted that APEs have not exhibited weak estrogen-like activity in the same tests. Additionally, there have been allegations that environmental
exposure to APEs can lead to endocrine (hormone) disruption; however, this is controversial ? Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
and is not substantiated when all of the underlying data have been carefully examined.2 See Environmental Information and Health Information .
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Manufacture of Product
?
Capacity – Total world consumption of APEs in 2005 was 1.1 billion pounds (500,000 metric tons).3 Dow sells APEs globally and has one U.S. plant located in Hahnville, Louisiana. Dow
production sites outside of the U.S. are located in Malaysia.4 ? Process – NPE is produced by reacting ethylene oxide and nonylphenol with potassium
hydroxide as a catalyst. The ratio of ethylene oxide to nonylphenol determines the molecular weight of the product, or the length of the molecule produced (see figure below). Sometimes water is added to the product for ease in handling (i.e. liquid versus solid).
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Product Description 5,6,7
TERGITOL ? NP surfactants are either solids or liquids depending on their molecular weight and the use temperature. The solids are white to yellow in color, and the liquids are cloudy. Lower molecular weight NPE products tend to be liquids and higher molecular weight NPE products tend to be solids unless diluted with water.
Because TERGITOL NP surfactants vary in molecular weight (and the number of ether linkages along the chain), the products have different solubilities. TERGITOL NP-4 and NP-6 are oil
soluble, and can solubilize kerosene and aliphatic hydrocarbons. TERGITOL NP-7 through NP-15 surfactants are miscible with chlorinated and aromatic solvents and soluble in water.
TERGITOL?30 through NP-70 surfactants are highly water soluble. Some products may form gels in certain solvents or under the right conditions. Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or additional information or Contact Us .
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Product Uses 8,9
The market applications for Dow surfactants fall into the four basic categories listed below:
? Industrial
- Agriculture - Leather processing - Metal working
- Oil field - Pulp and paper - Textile processing
- Water treatment ? Paints, emulsions, polymerization
and coatings
- Paints and coatings - Emulsion polymerization - Adhesives
? Industrial and institutional cleaning - Hard surface cleaners
- Circuit board cleaners
- Industrial laundry / dry cleaning detergents - Metal cleaning
- Food and dairy
- Commercial dishwashing / rinse aids ? Household cleaning - Detergents - Laundry pre-wash - Hard surface cleaners
- Air fresheners
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? Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
Exposure Potential10,11,12
NPE is used in the production of consumer, industrial and agricultural products. Based on the uses for NPE, the public could be exposed through:
?Workplace exposure – Exposure can occur either in an NPE manufacturing facility or in the various industrial, agricultural or consumer product manufacturing facilities that use NPE.
Because the health risks associated with NPE products vary, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product being used. Each manufacturing, commercial service and consumer facility should have appropriate work processes and safety equipment policies in place to limit unnecessary NPE exposure, including proper ventilation. See Health Information. ?Consumer exposure to products containing NPE – Dow does not sell NPE for direct consumer use, but it is used as a component in household cleaning products and detergents, agricultural chemicals, degreasers, paints, etc. Consumers have the potential to be in contact with NPE. Please review product labels and follow all instructions and guidelines for proper use to help prevent unnecessary exposure. See Health Information.
?Environmental releases – In the event of a spill, the focus is on containing the spill to prevent contamination of soil, surface or ground water. Use inert materials (e.g., sand, earth) to contain spills. To avoid gelling and foaming problems, do not use a stream of water to flush away spills. Any water that is contaminated with NPE should be sent to a waste water
treatment facility for appropriate treatment to reduce NPE residues to concentrations that pose no harm to the environment. In sufficient concentrations, NPEs can be toxic to aquatic organisms and animals. Consult the relevant SDS for more information about protective
equipment and procedures. See Environmental, Health and Physical Hazard Information. ?Large release – Industrial spills or releases are infrequent and are generally contained. If a large spill does occur, the material should be captured, collected and re-processed, or
disposed of according to applicable governmental requirements. If NPE is present in a fire situation, it can produce carbon monoxide (highly toxic) and carbon dioxide (an asphyxiant at sufficient concentrations). Do not direct a solid stream of water or foam into hot, burning
pools; this may cause frothing and increase fire intensity. Avoid accumulation of water.
Emergency personnel should wear proper protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and follow emergency procedures carefully. When relevant in scale or risk, the community should be notified of the hazards associated with the specific release event. See Environmental, Health and Physical Hazard Information.
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Health Information13,14
Numerous studies show that normal exposures to alkylphenols (APs) and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), including NPE, do not pose a significant risk to human health. The trace levels found in recent biomonitoring studies do not represent a toxicological concern and are significantly below concentrations deemed to be safe. Although certain alkylphenol compounds have shown weak estrogen-like activity in laboratory animals, the relevance of the AP findings to human health is unclear and is still being debated in the scientific community. It should also be noted that APEs have not exhibited weak estrogen-like activity in the same tests. Additionally, there have been allegations that environmental exposure to APEs can lead to endocrine (hormone) disruption; however, this is controversial and is not substantiated when all of the underlying data have been carefully examined.
Scientists determine whether a compound is estrogenic by testing the substance in a system that is known to respond to estrogen in a specific way. Since the uterus is highly responsive to estrogenic compounds, a uterotrophic assay is often used.15 Several uterotrophic studies in rats – and more recently, a study in fish – showed no estrogen-like activity up to maximum tolerable doses of commercial products NPE4 and NP9.
The toxicology properties of NPEs and TERGITOL? NP surfactants vary with molecular weight. Lower molecular weight TERGITOL NP-4 through NP-15 surfactants are more irritating than higher molecular weight TERGITOL NP-30 through NP-70 surfactants. For specific health information, review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the material being used. General health information for TERGITOL NP surfactants are given below.
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TERGITOL? NP-4 through NP-15 Surfactant16
These materials are liquids at room temperature. If used improperly or without proper protective equipment, TERGITOL NP-4 through NP-15 can cause irritation to the skin and severe irritation or burns to the eye. Repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Prolonged or widespread contact with the skin may result in the absorption of potentially harmful amounts. These surfactants are not skin sensitizers and show no evidence of being genotoxic or mutagenic. Swallowing these materials may cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Aspiration of these materials may cause lung damage. Mists may cause irritation of the respiratory tract, nasal discomfort and discharge, with chest pain and coughing.
In two-year feeding studies, animals that were fed up to 200 mg/kg/day of the 9-mole ethoxylate (NPE9) – the equivalent of eating 0.5 ounces or 14 grams for a 150-pound or 68-kg adult each day for two years – showed no significant affects. Animals fed 1000 mg/kg/day – the equivalent of 2.5 ounces or 68 grams for a 150-pound or 68-kg adult – for two years showed enlarged livers, reduced body weights and some blood changes.
Some deaths have occurred in animals exposed to high aerosol concentrations of these surfactants for 4 hours. It is likely that these deaths were caused by suffocation because there was no evidence in the lungs to support chemical toxicity.
TERGITOL NP-30 through NP-70 Surfactants17,18
These materials are solids at room temperature, but are liquids above the material freezing point or when mixed with water. TERGITOL NP-30 through NP-70 surfactants are not expected to cause harmful health effects from the vapors at room temperature. Eye contact can cause mild discomfort and brief skin contact might cause slight irritation with itching and redness.
These surfactants are not skin sensitizers and show no evidence of being genotoxic or mutagenic.
For more information on the health hazards of TERGITOL?surfactants and recommended protective equipment, view the SDS.
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Environmental Information19,20
Field studies and laboratory tests show that APs and APEs, including NPE, biodegrade in the presence of oxygen. APEs degrade to carbon dioxide and water primarily through oxidation, except under anaerobic conditions. This means that APEs do not degrade to the parent AP compound (e.g., nonylphenyl ethoxylate does not degrade to nonylphenol) except in an environment that is devoid of oxygen.
APs and APEs are not expected to bioaccumulate or build up in the food chain. The state of Washington, U.S., concluded that NP does not bioaccumulate.21 Environment Canada reached
? Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
the same conclusion about NP, NPE, octylphenol and octylphenol ethoxylates.22 Fish and other aquatic organisms and laboratory animals rapidly metabolize and excrete APs and APEs.
Lower molecular weight NPEs can be toxic to aquatic organisms at sufficient concentrations.23 To protect against effects to aquatic organisms, the U.S. EPA has developed Water Quality Criteria (WQC) on NP. The WQC were developed pursuant to Section 304(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act. A WQC is a level of pollutant or other measurable substance in water that, when met, will protect aquatic life.24
EPA WQC for NP (micrograms/liter)
Acute (Fresh Water): 28 Acute (Salt Water): 7.0
Chronic (Fresh Water): 6.6 Chronic (Salt Water): 1.7
However, APs and APEs are effectively removed in well-functioning sewage treatment plants. APs and APEs are effectively removed in well-functioning sewage treatment plants. Numerous studies show that U.S. treatment plants remove over 95% of APs and APEs from industrial wastewater and domestic sewage.25
Environmental monitoring studies demonstrate that AP and APE concentrations in rivers and lakes in the U.S., Canada and Britain (except in cases where there is inadequate sewage treatment) are below amounts that may adversely affect the hormonal system in fish and other aquatic organisms.26
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Physical Hazard Information27
Some surfactants can cause foaming problems in biological wastewater treatment plants and other high-shear operations.
TERGITOL? NP surfactants are normally non-reactive; however, avoid strong bases at high temperatures, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents and materials reactive with hydroxyl compounds. Prolonged, excessive heat may cause some products to decompose.
Additional physical property information for TERGITOL NP surfactants is available on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
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Regulatory Information
Governmental requirements may exist that govern the manufacture, sale, transportation, use and/or disposal of NPEs. These requirements may vary by city, state, country or geographic region. Information may be found by consulting the relevant SDS or Contact Us.
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Additional Information
?Safety Data Sheet (https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,/webapps/msds/msdssearch.asp)
?Alkylphenol Ethoxylates Research Council (https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,/)
?Dow’s Surfactant web site (https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,)
?Washington State Department of Ecology PBT Rule
(https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,/programs/eap/pbt/pbtfaq.html)
? Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
?The United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Nonylphenol,71 FR 9337,” National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2006
(https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,/waterscience/criteria/nonylphenol/)
?Endocrine Active Chemicals – Issues and Challenges, The Dow Chemical Company (https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,/productsafety/faq/endocrine.htm)
For more business information about TERGITOL NP surfactants, visit Dow’s Surfactant web site. Back to top
References
??* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
1 The Dow Chemical Company, Internal Document “Questions & Answers on Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Product Safety,” February, 2006, pages 1 and 2.
2 The Dow Chemical Company, Internal Document “Questions & Answers on Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Product Safety,” February, 2006, pages 1 and 2.
3 Estimates by The Dow Chemical Company.
4“Dow Surfactants: Product Line Overview” presentation,
(https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,/PublishedLiterature/dh_0277/09002f1380277bc5.pdf?filepath=/PublishToI nternet/InternetDOWCOM/surfactants/pdfs/noreg/119-02009.pdf&fromPage=BasicSearch), slide 5.
5TERGITOL? NP-9 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 2033, February, 24, 2003, page 2.
6TERGITOL? NP-40 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 1975, February, 10, 2003, page 2.
7TERGITOL? NP-70 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 2085, February, 12, 2003, page 2.
8“Dow Surfactants: Product Line Overview” presentation,
(https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,/PusblishedLiterature/dh_0277/09002f1380277bc5.pdf?filepath=/publishT oInternet/InternetDOWCOM/surfactants/pdfs/noreg/119-02009.pdf&fromPage=BasicSearch), slide 4.
9TERGITOL? Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Surfactants: Products and Applications, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 119-01494, July 2002.
10TERGITOL? NP-9 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 2033, February, 24, 2003.
11TERGITOL? NP-40 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 1975, February, 10, 2003.
12TERGITOL? NP-70 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 2085, February, 12, 2003.
13 The Dow Chemical Company, Internal Document “Questions & Answers on Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Product Safety,” February, 2006, pages 1, 2 and 5.
14“The Endocrine Theory,” APE Research Council, December 1999,
https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,/docs/endocrineissue.html.
15“APERC Statement: Commercial Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Are Not Estrogenic,” October 24, 2005. (https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,/docs/apercstatement102405.pdf)
16TERGITOL? NP-9 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 2033, February, 24, 2003, pages 9-10.
17TERGITOL? NP-40 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 1975, February, 10, 2003.
18TERGITOL? NP-70 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 2085, February, 12, 2003,pages 2-3.
19 The Dow Chemical Company, Internal Document “Questions & Answers on Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Product Safety,” February, 2006, pages 1, 2 and 5.
20 “The Endocrine Theory,” APE Research Council, December 1999,
https://www.360docs.net/doc/e78525780.html,/docs/endocrineissue.html.
21 Washington State Department of Ecology, Chapter 173-333 WAC, Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBT) Regulation, January 13, 2006.
22 Environment Canada, “Response to APERC’s Proposal Regarding Environment Canada’s Preliminary Categorization of Nonylphenol, Octylphenol and their Ethoxylates,“November 21, 2005.
23TERGITOL? NP-9 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 2033, February, 24, 2003, page 3.
24 The United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Nonylphenol,71 FR 9337,” National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2006.
25 Melcer, H, et al., “Wastewater Treatment of Alkylphenols and Their Ethoxylates,” Water Environment Research in press, 2007.
26 Klecka, et al., “Exposure Analysis of C8- and C9- Alkylphenol, Alkylphenol Ethoxylates, and their Metabolites in Surface Water Systems within the United States,” Journal of Human and Ecological Risk Assessment in press, 2007.
27TERGITOL? NP-9 Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, No. 2033, February, 24, 2003, pages 9-10.
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