LINEAR ALKYLBENZENE SULFONATE (LAS) - UNEP Chemicals

OECD SIDS LINEAR ALKYLBENZENE SULFONATE (LAS)
(10) General description of Potential Releases and Exposures
Laundry and cleaning products may be used as is, or diluted prior to or during use.
Dermal contact may occur with commercial products. There is a low potential for incidental or accidental
ingestion of, inhalation of, and/or eye contact with the product during handling and use.
Environmental releases from down-the-drain discharges following product use could lead to potential
ecological exposures in surface waters and indirect human exposures via drinking water and fish
consumption. These potential exposures are quantified in the following pages based on monitoring data
(Format B) and modeling data (Format C).
(11) Discussion of Factors that Mitigate or Exacerbate Releases and Exposures
Exposure to LAS in formulated commercial laundry or cleaning products is mitigated by following use and
precaution instructions on product labels. Product labels reflect the hazard potential of the chemical
ingredients in the product. These product labels also include first aid instructions to accompany each hazard
warning. For example, commercial products may include eye and skin irritancy warnings along with
instructions to rinse thoroughly if dermal or other exposure occurs.
LAS is water soluble (250 g/L) and has low vapor pressure (3E-13 Pa). Commercial products containing
LAS are disposed of down-the-drain and transported to wastewater treatment plants where LAS is effectively
removed (up to 99+%). Residual LAS entering the environment is rapidly and completely biodegraded (70-
90+% in ≤28 days in standard tests). It has a low potential for bioaccumulation (BCF – 87 L/kg) and studies
indicate that it is rapidly metabolized and eliminated from the bodies of aquatic organisms. These
characteristics help to minimize the potential for environmental and human exposure.
(12) Remarks: Estimates of inhalation exposure apply to both consumer and commercial products as both
use the same type of spray nozzles (for spray cleaners) and the same type of equipment to make
powder/granulated products. The human experience with eye irritation covers both manufacturing and use of
consumer and commercial products.
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