APEOs(NPEOs+OPEOs)Alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether

What is nonyl phenol?
Nonyl phenol (C9H19C6H4OH) is a mixture of isomers, and the presence of phenol nonene by condensation reaction with acid catalyst and English; Nonyl Phenol NP, the relative density of 0.94-0.95g/mL (20/20℃). Boiling point (95%) 283-302℃.

Nonyl phenol is an important fine chemical raw materials and intermediates, appearance at room temperature is colorless or light yellow liquid, with phenol odor, insoluble in water, soluble in petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride.

The harm of nonylphenol (NP)
Recent studies have found that nonylphenol can reduce the body's hormonal metabolism of male hormones, a serious threat to male reproductive capacity and health status. Because nonylphenol is an environmental hormone that has adverse effects on organisms, the United Nations Environment Programme has been included in the list of persistent toxic substances, which is formally incorporated into the international list of toxic substances. Because of its chemical structure and similar to animal and human female hormones, once into the animal and human body will interfere with the normal physiological function of endocrine. Since 1980, the EU banned the use of this material for household detergent formulations, in 2000, the industry will also be banned detergent.

EU control of harmful substances such as nonylphenol
In June 18, 2003, the EU 2003/53/EC directive issued, the provisions from January 17, 2005 onwards, the alkyl phenol polyoxyethylene ether such as nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO) use, circulation and discharge make the corresponding restrictions and regulations; APEO is alkyl phenol polyoxyethylene ether compounds, is a kind of nonionic surfactant compared to the conventional agent. It is widely used in protection, leather, plastics, chemicals, paper and other industries.

APEO itself is not teratogenic and carcinogenic, but its synthetic byproducts may be carcinogenic.

The regulations of APEO alkyl phenol polyoxyethylene ether constraints usually refers to the four, NPEO, NP  and OPEO (octyl phenol polyoxyethylene ether (OP), 4-tert-octylphenol) the concentration is equal to or greater than 0.1%, shall not be sold or used in the market, that is to say, the maximum allowable limit value. 1000mg/kg.