Phosphates in detergent

[1] Many countries have banned the use of phosphates in detergent, including the European Union and the United States.

[2][7] Australia began phasing out the use of phosphates in its detergents in 2011, with an all-out ban expected to take effect in 2014.

"[11] Discussion of banning phosphates from detergents in the United States started because of pollution of the Great Lakes.

[15][16] Phosphates have low toxicity in the environment but cause nutrient pollution, a major water quality problem in many watersheds.

[17] Phosphates in water cause eutrophication of algae which creates conditions favorable to formation of harmful algal blooms.

[1] Studies have revisited the question of whether existing household phosphate bans are effective in reducing phosphorus concentration in waterways, and subsequent algal blooms.

In the 21st century phosphates began to be reduced in percentage terms as an ingredient, leading to a New York Times report that said "low- or phosphate-free dishwasher detergents it tested, including those from environmentally friendly product lines that have been on the market for years, none matched the performance of products with phosphates".

[24] According to The Washington Post, phosphorus keeps "minerals from interfering with the cleaning process and prevent food particles from depositing again on dishes.

"[16] According to Time magazine, "One reason detergent makers have been using large amounts of phosphorus is that it binds with dirt and keeps it suspended in water, allowing the other cleaning agents to do their best work.

Phosphorus is especially important in regions with hard water because the presence of lots of minerals can interfere with cleaning agents.