High concernSurfactant
Nonylphenol Ethoxylate
Endocrine disruptorEnvironmental persistence
What it is
A non-ionic surfactant formed by ethoxylating nonylphenol, an alkylphenol.
What it does
Surfactant, emulsifier, and wetting agent in industrial cleaners and some personal care products.
Why it’s a concern
Degrades in the environment to nonylphenol, a well-documented estrogenic endocrine disruptor. Canada and the EU restrict NPE use in many applications. Still present in some imported detergents and textiles.
Also known as
NPEnonoxynol
CAS numbers
9016-45-9
Commonly found in
industrial cleanerpesticide formulationstextile processing
Safer alternatives
- alcohol ethoxylates
- plant-derived glucosides
Sources
- Environment Canada NPE Risk Management