Nonylphenol (NP)

Nonylphenol (NP)

1. What is nonylphenol?

Nonylphenol (NP), also known as nonylphenol, is a colorless to light yellow liquid with high viscosity, high boiling point, and low vapor pressure. It is used to manufacture nonylphenol polyethoxylates, One of the raw materials of NPEO), although it is not very toxic, it is recognized as one of the environmental hormones because its chemical structure is similar to estrogen.

2. What is the use of nonylphenol?

Nonylphenol is mainly used in the production of NPEO. NPEO is mainly used as a "nonionic surfactant" in industrial cleaners. It is also used in antioxidants, textile printing and dyeing auxiliaries, lubricant additives, pesticide emulsifiers, and resin modifiers. , resin and rubber stabilizers and other fields.

3. Why does nonylphenol appear in food?

In the early years, nonylphenol was added to detergents. Wastewater containing nonylphenol has long caused serious water pollution, and traces of nonylphenol have been found in rivers, farmland, and food.

4. What are the health effects of nonylphenol?

Although current research data on the impact of nonylphenol on human health is very limited, animal experiments have shown that exposure to high doses of nonylphenol in rats will increase the estrogen activity in their bodies, resulting in a reduction in the number of sperm in male rats. , the fertility rate of female rats is reduced, and the reproductive function of rats is also destroyed.

5. Current management status of p-nonylphenol in China

In 1996, the Department revised the "Hygienic Standards for Food Detergents" with reference to EU regulations, stipulating that the content of nonylphenol surfactants in food detergents must be less than 0.1% (weight ratio). In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency of the Executive Yuan announced in accordance with the "Toxic Chemical Substances Management Act" that two substances, nonylphenol and nonylphenol polyethoxy alcohol, are listed as Category 1 toxic chemicals.

6. How to prevent or reduce exposure to nonylphenol?

Based on the concept of environmental protection and health, detergent manufacturers should use surfactants with high biodegradability or natural surfactants as raw materials. When consumers purchase detergents, they should read the ingredient labels clearly and avoid purchasing detergents containing non-ionic surfactants. They can choose detergent products with environmental protection labels. For those with unknown sources and unclear labels, products have to be avoided.