Toxicology of Industrial Compounds

al., 1975), alcohol ether sulphates and linear alkylbenzene sulphonates
(Nolen et al., 1975). Concerns which started with the publication in 1969
(Mikami et al., 1969) that surfactants had caused malformations in animal
studies could not be reproduced (Oba and Takei, 1980). The findings of
Mikami et al. (1969) were interpreted to be a result of methodical
inadequacies and misinterpretations (Charlesworth, 1976).
Summary
Due to their physico-chemical properties, surfactants are capable of
reacting with biological membranes, proteins and enzymes. Most of their
toxicological properties can be traced back to these interactions. During
the application of surfactant-containing products, the most important
aspect of consumer safety is local compatibility. No indications of
systemic, chronic or irreversible damage could be found. Estimates of the
amounts of orally ingested surfactants typically encountered were reviewed
by several authors. Based on these estimates, a total daily intake of
surfactants in the range of 0.3–3 mg per person was calculated by Swisher
(1968). Due to the low rate of percutaneous absorption exposure through
the skin can be neglected. If the above mentioned highest conceivable daily
intake is compared with the dosage that was tolerated without adverse
effects in studies concerning systemic effects, it becomes quite clear that
these amounts can be regarded as harmless. In conclusion, it can be stated
that the use of surfactants does not pose a health risk for humans.
References
W.STERZEL 351
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