Introduction
In every household, detergent is an indispensable ally in keeping clothes and furniture clean. One of the key ingredients that provide cleaning effectiveness is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), however, with the advancement of science and growing concern for the safety of household products, questions have arisen about whether or not it is safe to use LAS in detergents. As increasingly savvy consumers, it is important that we understand the health impacts of these chemicals and ensure that the products we use daily remain a safe choice.
Modern detergents have the big challenge of cleaning effectively without damaging the surface of the object being cleaned or polluting the environment. This is why linear alkylbenzene sulfonates are the first choice. These compounds have surfactant properties, which means they are able to lower the surface tension of water and allow the release of dirt from the surface of objects. In other words, LAS helps detergents to more efficiently remove stains and dirt.
LAS is usually produced through a sulfonation process, where alkylbenzene is reacted with sulfuric acid. The result is a LAS compound that is effective in tackling fats and oils, making it a top choice in cleaning products. However, as public awareness of chemicals in everyday products increases, we need to explore more about the safety of using LAS.
As surfactant compounds responsible for reducing the surface tension of water and helping detergents remove stains, Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates have been a staple in detergent formulations for many years. However, concerns over their impact on human health and on the environment have prompted researchers and health experts to delve deeper into the safety of their use. This article will discuss the latest research results, applicable safety standards, and provide insights for us as smart consumers who want to maintain cleanliness without compromising our health. Let's explore the hidden world behind the detergent products we rely on every day.
What is Alkylbenzene Sulfonate?
Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) is an inorganic compound that acts as a surfactant agent in detergents. Its function is crucial in helping detergents remove stains and dirt from clothes and other surfaces. The surfactant properties of LAS allow its molecules to penetrate and lift dirt from various types of surfaces, forming a foam that aids the cleaning process.
Linear Alkyl benzene Sulfonate is an anionic surfactant that is the active compound in detergents. Surfactant LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate) is the main cleaning agent of the anionic group contained in detergents that are widely used in Indonesia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), LAS decomposes in surface water for 1-2 days, in sediments decomposes for 1-3 days, in marine systems and estuaries decomposes for 5-10 days. LAS generally degrades by 90% within 3 months, with the time ranging from 5-30 days. LAS surfactants can cause damage to the gill ephithelium and blockage of branchioles or respiratory tracts in fish. (Daulay et al, 2022).
Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate contained in detergents is very difficult to decompose biologically, so that it will indirectly cause an impact on the environment, namely slow waters. impact on the environment, namely gradually the waters contaminated by surfactants will filled with foam, lowering the surface tension of surface tension of the water, re-breaking of (flock) colloids, emulsification of grease and oil, destruction of useful bacteria, and clogging of the pores of the filtration media. Â (Putro, H., & Kokoh, R, 2019)
The contaminant contained in household detergent waste and small industrial laundry kilos is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS). LAS is an anionic surfactant that is currently widely used as an active ingredient in synthetic detergent formulations. The use of LAS surfactants as active compounds in detergents continues to increase from 13 million tons in 1977 to 18 million tons in 1996. LAS anionic surfactants are currently used about 1.5 million tons per year in synthetic detergent formulations due to their superior cleaning properties and economical price. According to the Decree of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 907/MENKES/SK/VII/2002, the LAS content allowed for drinking water quality is 0.05 mg/L. If the content of these compounds exceeds the specified provisions, it will cause harmful effects such as irritation (heat, itching, even peeling) on the skin and has a carcinogenic effect. (Issakinah, 2020).
LAS has better characteristics than other types of surfactants, although it cannot be said to be 100% environmentally friendly. The process of degradation or decomposition of LAS can be done by breaking the omega bond at the end of the chain. Based on previous research, it is stated that nature takes nine days to break down LAS only up to 50%. The fact that exists at this time can be seen by the discovery of many households that dispose of the remaining laundry soap just like that and without doing any previous waste treatment, so it is feared that nature's ability to decompose LAS will decrease, considering the quantity of material use which is also quite large. (Hadi et al, 2019).
LAS Safety and Human Health Impacts
So far, toxicological studies have investigated the effects of LAS on human health. The results of these studies support the claim that LAS, when used in accordance with the prescribed dosage, does not cause negative effects on human health. Nonetheless, consumers should exercise caution and follow the instructions for use on product packaging.
Case studies and consumer surveys suggest that allergic reactions or skin irritation to cleaning products containing LAS may occur in a small proportion of the population. Therefore, for individuals who have a history of certain chemical sensitivities, it is recommended to conduct a small trial on a hidden skin area before using the product thoroughly.
Environmental Influences and Sustainability Measures
An important consideration in LAS safety evaluation involves not only human health but also the impact on the environment. LAS are known as compounds that are relatively difficult to degrade in the aquatic environment. Despite this, research continues to find ways to improve the biodegradability of LAS and reduce their impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Since 1990, research has shown that LAS residues are found in many sewage sludge for
agriculture. LAS is predominantly distributed in water about 97.5%, soil 0.5% and sediment 2%. LAS enters agricultural soil through several pathways, namely the use of solid waste as fertilizer, the use of wastewater for irrigation, and the use of pesticide formulations containing LAS as an emulsifying or dispersing agent. The presence of LAS in soil can inhibit the growth of certain aerobic bacteria, and interfere with the function of agricultural soil. (Yuliyanti et al, 2019).
The detergent industry has committed to developing more environmentally friendly formulations. In response to environmental concerns, some manufacturers have turned to substitute ingredients and more sustainable production methods. This creates opportunities for the development of detergents that are effective yet environmentally sustainable.
Myths and Facts about LAS: Sifting through the Information
There are various myths swirling around the safety of LAS. One common myth is that LAS can cause cancer. However, scientific research does not support this claim. LAS, when used correctly, has not been found to be associated with cancer risk in humans.On the contrary, LAS has passed a series of rigorous safety tests before being allowed to be used in household products.Â
In addition, there is a myth that the use of LAS can contribute to antibiotic resistance. In fact, the mechanism of antibiotic resistance and the use of LAS in detergents are in two different realms. Recent studies confirm that there is no clear correlation between the use of LAS in detergents and antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Although the main ingredients are the same, not all LAS are created equal. Differences can arise in the production process and overall formulation of the detergent. Certain brands may use LAS produced through specific methods or combine them with additional ingredients. Therefore, while LAS is considered a safe ingredient in general, differences in formulation may affect the performance and characteristics of detergent products.
Therefore, as a wise consumer, it is important to sort out information and not fall for claims that are not supported by scientific evidence.
Tips for Safe Use: Maximize Benefits, Minimize Risks
How can we ensure the use of LAS in detergents provides maximum benefits without causing unwanted risks? Here are some tips for safe use:
 Follow the Directions for Use Carefully
Instructions for use on detergent packaging are not trivial. Reading and following the instructions carefully is the first step to ensuring the safe use of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate. These instructions include recommended dosages for specific types of clothes or surfaces as well as proper usage instructions.
Pay Attention to the Recommended Dosage
It is important not to exceed the recommended dosage on the detergent packaging. Although Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate is considered safe in recommended doses, excessive use may increase the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions. Always use detergent according to your washing needs and the weight of the laundry load.
Small Trial for Sensitive Skin
If you or a family member has sensitive skin, do a small trial on a hidden skin area before using the detergent thoroughly. This can help identify if any allergic reactions or irritation may arise. If there are signs of discomfort, consider looking for an alternative detergent that is more suitable for sensitive skin.
Choose Products with Sustainability Labels
Many detergent manufacturers are now committed to environmentally-friendly and sustainable product practices. Choose products with sustainability certification labels, such as environmental labels or organic certifications. This indicates that the manufacturer is taking responsibility for the environmental impact of their products and may be using more environmentally friendly detergent formulations.
Store Well for Optimal Quality
How you store your detergent can also affect its quality and safety. Avoid storing in places that are too hot or exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure the lid is always tightly closed to prevent evaporation and reduce the risk of contamination. By storing your detergent properly, you can ensure its quality remains optimal.
Use the Right Amount of Water
Using excessive water when washing clothes can also affect the effectiveness and safety of the detergent. Use an appropriate amount of water according to the laundry load and the type of detergent you are using. This not only helps maintain the efficiency of the detergent but also reduces its impact on the environment.
Consider Eco-friendly Detergent Alternatives
If you have specific concerns about the environmental impact of using Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate, consider trying an eco-friendly detergent that uses substitute ingredients that are more biodegradable. Today, many manufacturers offer more environmentally friendly detergent options without sacrificing their cleaning effectiveness.
Clean the Washing Machine Periodically
The cleanliness of the washing machine also plays a role in ensuring the safe use of detergent. Clean the washing machine periodically to remove any detergent residue that may have accumulated in it. This can help prevent problems, such as unpleasant odors or negative effects on the performance of the washing machine.
Conclusion: Combining Clean with Safe
In making decisions about the safety of using LAS in detergents, it is important to understand that every chemical product has its own risks. LAS, as an integral part of detergent formulation, has undergone a series of rigorous safety tests and has a long history of use.
The myths surrounding LAS need to be filtered with facts supported by scientific research. The safe use of LAS can be maintained through wise policies and practices. It is important for consumers to keep their knowledge of chemicals in household products up to date and make informed decisions.
As we move into the future, innovation in the detergent industry will be key to developing products that are not only effective but also environmentally friendly. The safety of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate in detergents is not only the responsibility of manufacturers, but also the responsibility of consumers to use these products wisely. By combining clean with safe, we can keep our household clean without compromising our health and environmental sustainability.
