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Industry

One such industry that uses a lot of soap is the car wash industry. Some may question what impact, if any, car washing really has on the environment. The first thing to be addressed is the bigger picture; wash water drainage. Where does the wash water really go? What impact does that wash water have on where it discharges? Many cities have different methods for directing wash water. Some cities have multiple drains: a sanitary drain for water that comes from toilets, bathtubs, sinks etc., and a storm drain that collects rain. The sanitary drain leads to a treatment facility and the storm drain usually only leads to a body of water. For example, San Diego has sanitary drains for grey water and storm drains that empty into the Pacific Ocean. The three prime soaps detergents ingredients by volume & cost are perfumes, caustic and oil. Oils & perfume are insoluble in water and if spilled can create problems such as water pollution. It should be noted that soap is very adherent. When you get your car washed, although the car is dried, there is much soap that sticks to the car. Since a car is mobile, it transports the chemicals to different places. When it rains, those chemicals are discharged into storm drains that could drain into a body of water. Knowing that water discharging to the storm drain system is untreated, it is important that car wash water is not discharged to it. The majority of at home car washing results in discharge into the storm drain system because the wash water is not contained or collected. Most commercial car washes prevent such discharges by containing wash water and directing it to the sanitary sewer. Many people that wash their own car contribute to pollutants that go down the storm drain. Another thing to consider is that infrequent washing of your car can also cause environmental detriment. If you don’t wash sediment and other pollutants off your car on a regular basis any water discharge from your dirty car would most likely discharge to the storm drain system. When you do wash your car, these pollutants can also drain into the storm drain. It is important to note that some commercial car washes are not always effective in containing all wash water. Lack of complete containment can lead to a discharge to the storm drain system, which in many cases is considered an illegal discharge according to city regulations.

Industry Problems

One of the biggest problems today is that the large quantities of soap required for industrial uses are turning to man-made chemical replacements such as detergent. A detergent is a synthetic imitation of soap, and was first created in Germany during WWI. Detergents differ from soap in a number of ways, but most importantly they do not interact naturally with minerals and salts, and do not form a scum. While this last note about not producing scum is convenient for larger scale usage, they require many chemical ingredients to create the desired effect. This creates a greater opportunity for use (accidental or purposeful of toxic chemicals that can have profound negative impacts on society and on the surrounding natural environment. One case of this problem is with Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical that is widely used in hand soaps and other personal-care products. Recent studies have shown that Triclosan hinders muscle contraction at the cellular level. The effects were found to be particularly limiting on heart and skeletal muscle contractility, which is a serious cause for concern. Triclosan requires a fairly complex sewage treatment system, which usually can only remove approximately 97-98% of it from the wastewater, and that is only the best case scenario. Studies have shown treatment plants to remove levels as low as 58%. The remaining Triclosan can have serious negative impacts on the environment. Triclosan is considered to be highly toxic to various aquatic bacteria and algae, and research shows it has the potential to be damaging to fish and dolphins as well.

Triclocarban is another chemical with serious issues related to personal and environmental health. It acts very similarly to Triclosan, and is used widely in hand soaps as well. Triclocarban is tied to endocrine disorders, as well as potentially higher rates of breast and prostate cancer. Triclocarbon is among the top ten most common compounds found in wastewater, and has been found in increasing concentrations over the past few years. Both Triclosan and Triclocarban are more than 100x more effective at killing algae and fish than at killing microbial bacteria that hand soaps target.

Anaerobic digesters overhead view

The dangers of Triclosan and Triclocarban are tied to their ability to bioaccumulate. It is estimated that 40-60% of the chemicals actually stay with the biosolid following anaerobic digestion treatment methods, a commonly used method in the United States, as well as globally.

Substitutes

There are many options for companies and households when it comes to soap and detergent substitutes. Those that wish to have a dependable cleaning product without hurting the environment can look to homemade options as well as commercially available ones. Common household tricks have shown us that natural ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda can be used to lift stains in clothing without the potential harm to the environment. When it comes to the ingredients for commercially available soap-substitutes, many companies focus on organic and natural ingredients such as aloe, oats, and sea salt. All organic materials are grown without the use of pesticides, which can be harmful to water sources. Many companies involved with organic materials have high standards when it comes to environmental policy. In addition, organic soaps are rarely tested on animals. These soap alternatives leave out many of the harsh chemicals that antibacterial soaps utilize. These ingredients include fragrance, parabens, triclosan and sulfates, which are all harmful to either the human body or the environment. Besides using less harmful materials, many soap substitutes help promote the health of skin through moisturizing. There are some issues preventing soap-substitutes from replacing the common soap we have been using for centuries. Many soap-substitutes leave out lathering chemicals which helps distribute the product, ensuring a thorough cleanse. Using plants with high levels of saponins may solve this issue. The price point is also an issue in getting soap-substitutes into the market. Organic materials and eco friendly production creates a more extensive and expensive supply chain, noticeable in a higher price tag. These soaps are feasible to use at the home level but however industries cannot afford to use these materials. Detergents were developed to be more cost efficient and more research would need to be done to find a cheap replacement without the harmful effects.

File:HANDMADE SOAP PAPAYA WITH GLUTATHIONE AROMATIC NATURAL.jpg

Organic Papaya Soap

Future Implications and Initiatives

Recently, manufacturers have moved toward more environmentally friendly and biodegradable soaps that contain less harmful chemicals. They have contributed to the enhancement of human health and quality of life by adopting responsible formulations and through the production and sale of environment friendly cleaning products & ingredients. Some initiatives, which soap and detergent manufacturers can take for environment/health sustainability are:

-To only market products, which have proved to be safe for humans and the environment

-While producing, manufacturers should carefully consider the potential health and environmental effects, exposures and releases, which will be associated with the production, transportation, use and disposal of different cleaning products

-To encourage and promote transparent communication of safety and handling information

-To facilitate basic research to resolve uncertainties around human and environmental safety when they arise

-To follow the spirit and intent of all national laws and regulations