4-Nonylphenol diethoxylate

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

3.9 [mg/m3]

43 [mg/m3]

260 [mg/m3]

LC50; Species: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Green Algae); Conditions: freshwater, renewal, 25 °C, hardness 150 mg/L CaCO3; Concentration: 12000 ug/L for 96 hr

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age <24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, renewal, 25 °C, hardness 150 mg/L CaCO3; Concentration: 14000 ug/L for 48 hr (95% confidence interval: 13000-16000 ug/L); Endpoint: immobilization.

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age <24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, renewal, 25 °C, hardness 150 mg/L CaCO3; Concentration: 9000 ug/L for 144 hr

LC50; Species: Hyalella azteca (Scud) age 10-12 days; Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C, 7.4-8.1, dissolved oxygen 6.3-8.2 mg/L CaCO3; Concentration: ~1000 ug/L for 96 hr

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL NONYLPHENYL ETHER (18 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether is a mixture of compounds with varying ethoxylate units and branching on the alkyl portion of the molecule. Nonylphenol and mono- and diethoxylate nonylphenol are expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC) based on sludge adsorption tests(1,2); higher oligomers should not adsorb to sediment(1,2). Therefore, polyethyleneglycol nonylphenol ether is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of polyethyleneglycol nonylphenol ether from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) based on a range of Henry's Law constants from 2.45X10-9 atm-cu m/mole for nonylphenol (a measured value)(3) to 4.1X10-12 atm-cu m/mole for nonylphenol ethoxylate (n=6), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Polyethyleneglycol nonylphenol ether is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon vapor pressures ranging from extrapolated 9.4X10-5 mm Hg(5) to estimated 3.2X10-10 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(6).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Aerobic biodegradation screening studies of polyethylene glycol linear nonylphenyl ethers with sewage sludge inocula indicate rapid primary degradation to nonylphenol diethoxylate and nonylphenol ethoxylate (68% to 91% degradation in 8-21 days)(1-2). Biodegradation screening studies on the aerobic biodegradation of mixtures of branched and linear polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers indicate rapid primary degradation to nonylphenol diethoxylate and nonylphenol ethoxylate under aerobic conditions and nonylphenol under anaerobic conditions(3-5). These studies suggest that if released to soil, biodegradation of linear nonyl substituted polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers may be an important fate process(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether is a mixture of compounds with varying ethoxylate units and branching on the alkyl portion of the molecule. Nonylphenol and mono- and diethoxylate nonylphenol are expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC) based on sludge adsorption tests(1,2); higher oligomers should not adsorb to sediment(1,2). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based on a range of Henry's Law constants from 2.45X10-9 atm-cu m/mole for nonylphenol (a measured value)(4) to 4.1X10-12 atm-cu m/mole for nonylphenol ethoxylate (n=6), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(5). According to a classification scheme(5), BCF values of <0.2 to <1.4, measured in carp(6), indicate that bioconcentration of polyethylene glycol nonylphenol ether in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Bioconcentration of the more lipophylic esters such as nonylphenol and mono- and diethoxylate nonylphenol may be higher(7). Under conditions simulating a river water environment downstream from a wastewater treatment plant, over 40% of the 14C ring-labeled polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether was converted to 14CO2 in 128 days (overall biodegradation of 87-97%)(8), suggesting that biodegradation may be an environmental fate process in acclimated aquatic systems(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Primary biodegradation tests with sediment and river water(1,2), indicate that primary degradation of polyethylene glycol linear nonylphenyl ether in water will be important (97% to 99% in 30 days). Biodegradation screening studies on the aerobic biodegradation of mixtures of branched and linear polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers indicate rapid primary degradation to nonylphenol diethoxylate and nonylphenol ethoxylate under aerobic conditions and nonylphenol under anaerobic conditions(3-5).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), polyethyleneglycol nonylphenol ethers, which have vapor pressures ranging from extrapolated 9.4X10-5 mm Hg(2) to estimated 3.2X10-10 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(3), will exist mainly in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere, although some of the smaller oligomers may also exist in the vapor phase. Those compounds found in the vapor phase are expected to be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC). Particulate-phase polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers may be physically removed from the air by both wet and dry deposition(SRC). polyethyleneglycol nonylphenol ethers do not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4), and therefore are not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following 27 Nonoxynols listed below are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics as described in this safety assessment, when formulated to be non-irritating..Nonoxynol-2...

Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The toxicity of the nonylphenol polyethoxylate, R-11 and the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid were evaluated on the crustacean, Ceriodaphnia dubia Richard. These compounds were evaluated separately and as a mixture because they are applied for pest control and may exist as a binary mixture in surface water. Acute mortality estimates (48hr) were developed followed by population-level studies after chronic exposure. LC50s and 95% CL for R-11 and imidacloprid were 9241(8521-9842)ug/L and 2.1 (1.1-3.4)ug/L, respectively. In the population study, C. dubia were exposed to concentrations equivalent to the acute LC25 for R-11 (8090 ug/L) and imidacloprid (0.3 ug/L) separately and as a mixture for 8d. The results of the chronic study indicated that R-11 had a greater impact on population parameters than imidacloprid and the mixture had a greater impact than either compound alone. For example, the total number of individuals at the end of the chronic study was 73%, 19%, and 6% of the control for imidacloprid, R-11, and the binary mixture, respectively. Additionally, exposure to R-11, imidacloprid, and the mixture resulted in 52%, 10%, and 91% reductions in population growth rate compared to the control, respectively. The results of this study indicate that when combined, R-11 and imidacloprid act in a more than additive manner. Therefore, it is important that their potential effects on aquatic organisms be evaluated together.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The ability of nonylphenol polyethoxylate (nonylphenyl polyethylene glycol, NPPG) to alter the metabolic elimination of testosterone and elicit reproductive toxicity to Daphnia magna was assessed. NPPG (5.0 mg/L inhibited the elimination of testosterone as glucose and sulfate conjugates, but had minimal effect on the rate of elimination of oxido-reduced and hydroxylated derivatives of the steroid hormone. This exposure concentration of NPPG also approximated the acute threshold-effect concentration and the chronic value for daphnids. Results demonstrated that NPPG qualitatively elicits similar effects on the metabolic elimination of testosterone by daphnids as previously characterized with its degradation product 4-nonylphenol. Unlike 4-nonylphenol, significant chronic toxicity of NPPG, due to effects on steroid elimination processes, was not evident.

The concentration range of branched and linear polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers in primary effluents from sewage plants in Fallaendan, Dubendorf, Zurich-Glatt, and Niederglatt, Switzerland was 1.3 to 3.8 mmole/cu m(1). The concentration range of branched and linear polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers in secondary effluents from sewage plants in Fallaendan, Dubendorf, Zurich-Glatt, and Niederglatt, Switzerland was 0.02 to 0.3 mmole/cu m(1). The concentrations of nonylphenol, nonylphenol monoethoxylate, and nonylphenol diethoxylate in municipal wastewaters collected from the sewer system of Sibenik, Croatia, in 1990 and 1991, were used to calculated the daily inputs of these compounds of 0.10, 0.18, and 0.12 kg, respectively, into the Sibenik Harbor(2).

Total nonylphenols in untreated wastewaters in ug/L were reported as follows (ug/L): several cities in Spain - 24-938 (n=4-6); textile industry (Canada) - 798.4-8,811.2 (n=3-17); several cities worldwide - 844-2,250 (n=3-18); Danta Maria Nativitas, Mexico - 59.5-229 (n=4-9). Total nonylphenols in treated wastewaters in ug/L were reported as follows (ug/L): several cities in Spain - no detected - 10 (n=3-17); several cities, Canada - 1.00-52.82 (n=3-17); several cities worldwide - 3.9-2250 (n=3-18); Nativitas treatment, wetland, Mexico - 5.28-54.8 (n=4-9)(1).

Adsorption of nonylphenol polyethoxylates is dependent upon the number of ethoxylate units present; sludge adsorption was greatest for nonylphenol (44-48% of the added compound adsorbed) followed by nonylphenol ethoxylate (n=1) (14-15% of the added compound adsorbed to sludge), and nonylphenol diethoxylate (6-7% of the added compound adsorbed to sludge)(1). Adsorption of nonylphenyl ethoxylate (n=6) to sediment was dependent on the organic matter concentration(2). A Koc of 6.1 was measured in sediment(2). Polyethyleneglycol nonylphenyl ether (n=1-3) was observed to Kd values ranging from 450-1460 L/kg in sediment, 230-590 L/kg in sediment without organic carbon, 25-92 L/kg in silica, and 12,000-13,000 L/kg in sludge, suggesting strong sorption may occur to the solid phase in soil(SRC).

AEROBIC: An aerobic biodegradation study was conducted on a mixture of polyethylene glycol linear nonylphenyl ethers utilizing sediment inocula from the Yahagi River, Kawasaki, Japan reported 97% and 98% biodegradation after 30 days for standing and stirred samples, respectively(1). An aerobic river die-away test conducted on a mixture of polyethylene glycol linear nonylphenyl ethers with an inoculum obtained from the Arakawa River, Horikiri, Japan reported 98% and 99% biodegradation after 30 days for standing and stirred samples, respectively(1). Two metabolites, nonylphenol diethoxylate and nonylphenol ethoxylate, were identified during these aerobic degradation studies of nonyl substituted polyethylene glycol linear nonylphenyl ether(1). A series of aerobic screening studies were conducted on nonyl substituted polyethylene glycol linear nonylphenyl ethers(2). Results from the aerobic biodegradation of polyethylene glycol linearnonylphenyl ethers for a river die-away, Spanish Official (adapted for anionic compounds), OECD Spanish Official (adapted for nonanionic compounds), and OECD confirmatory test were reported as degradations of 93% in 14 days, 70% in 21 days, 68% in 8 days, 91% in 8 days, and 88% at a retention time of 3 hours, respectively(2). Under conditions simulating a river water environment (Missouri River near Columbia MO, 7.5 miles downstream from the Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant), over 40% of the 14C ring-labeled polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether was converted to 14CO2 in 128 days; overall biodegradation was 87-97%. The water temperature was 20 °C, dissolved oxygen 8.7 mg/L, pH 8.22, alkalinity 180 mg/L, and hardness 270 mg/L; test compound concentration was 100 ug/L(3).

AEROBIC: A coupled units test indicated 61.1% COD removal of a mixture of linear and branched polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers from samples inoculated with acclimated sewage sludge under aerobic conditions. The same study indicated 80% loss of linear and branched polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers in 30 days using an aerobic OECD screening test. Results from an aerobic closed bottle test conducted at an initial concentration of 2 ppm indicated 29% BODT and 84% analytical loss of a mixture of linear and branched polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers after 30 days. An aerobic OECD confirmatory test was conducted using a sewage sludge inoculum acclimated for 34 days, a retention time of 3 hours, and an initial concentration of 20 ppm of a mixture of branched and linear polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers. This OECD confirmatory test reported a 90% analytical loss of this mixture(1).

AEROBIC: The elimination of mixed branched and linear polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers during aerobic biodegradation studies utilizing activated sludge from treatments plants in Fallendorf, Dubendorf, Zurich-Glatt, and Niederglatt, Switzerland was reported as 93%, 76%, 92%, and 92% elimination, respectively(1). Metabolites for the aerobic biodegradation of mixed branched and linear polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers from these studies were reported as nonylphenol diethoxylate and nonylphenol ethoxylate(1). A metabolite for the anaerobic biodegradation of mixed branched and linear polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers was reported as nonylphenol(1). A branched polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether underwent 98% aerobic biodegradation at 25 °C during continuous activated sludge treatment seeded with an inoculum from a treatment plant in Harris County, Texas(2). Under the same conditions, a branched polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether underwent 98% aerobic biodegradation while the temperature of the system was lowered from 25 to 8 °C over a 10 day period(2). However, polyethyleneglycol nonylphenol ether, present at 30 mg/L, reached 0% of its theoretical BOD in 3 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test(3).

BCF values of <0.2 to <1.4 were measured in carp at polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether concentrations of 2.0 and 0.2 mg/L, respectively. According to a classification scheme(3), these BCF values indicate that bioconcentration of this mixture in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Nonylphenol, nonylphenol monoethoxylate, and nonylphenol diethoxylate are more lipophilic and may bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms to a greater extent than higher oligomers(3).

Henry's Law constants for polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers range from 2.45X10-9 atm-cu m/mole for nonylphenol, a measured value(1), to 4.1X10-12 atm-cu m/mole for nonylphenol ethoxylate (n=6), from a fragment constant estimation method(2). These values indicate that polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ethers should be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(3). Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon vapor pressure values ranging from extrapolated 9.4X10-5 mm Hg(4) to estimated 3.2X10-10 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(5).

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The effects of surfactants (single dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg) were studied on the contents of metallothionein, heme and hemoproteins and on the activities of heme oxygenase and drug metabolizing enzymes in the liver of male Wistar rats pretreated with phenobarbital or beta-naphthoflavone. Surfactants tested included sodium dodecylsulfate, sodium-n-dodecylbenzenesulfonate and Emulgen-913. Metallothionein content was remarkably increased after the injection of surfactants. Phenobarbital alone decreased the Emulgen-913 induced elevation in the contents of zinc of metallothionein, but did not exert any significant effects on the activities of NADPH-cytochrome-c-reductase or DT-diaphorase. These findings suggest that phenobarbital enhances Emulgen-913 metabolism in vivo, and consequently might reduce the contents of surfactant or its metabolites in the liver. Beta-naphthoflavone alone markedly increased the activity of DT-diaphorase and the content of metallothionein but it decreased the activity of NADPH-cytochrome-c-reductase. The increased metallothionein content or DT-diaphorase activity caused by beta-naphthoflavone were further enhanced by Emulgen-913, while NADPH cytochrome-c-reductase was depressed. Phenobarbital pretreatment did not prevent the increase in heme oxygenase activity caused by Emulgen-913, but beta-naphthoflavone pretreatment slightly inhibited the response to Emulgen-913. Cytochrome p-450 was markedly increased by treatment with phenobarbital or beta-naphthoflavone, but these increases were remarkably depressed by subsequent injection of surfactant.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The influence of in vivo administration of detergents on the hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 system was studied in rat. Male Wistar rats were administered detergents, Emulgen 913 (50 mg or 100 mg/kg of body wt or sodium dodecylsulfate (25 mg or 50 mg/kg of body wt) ip once a day for 3 days. Cytochrome P-450 content in liver microsomes was significantly decreased to 85% and 73% of control by the administration of 50 mg or 100 mg Emulgen, respectively, but the microsomal protein concentration was not changed by these administrations. The content of cytochrome P-450 was also reduced to 76% and 70% of control by the administration of 25 mg or 50 mg sodium dodecylsulfate/kg of body wt, respectively. The total hydroxylation activity (the sum of omega- and (omega-1)-hydroxylase activity) of laurate almost paralleled the decrease in cytochrome P-450 in detergent-treated rats. However, the omega/omega-1-hydroxylation ratio was not changed. These results suggest that the administration of these detergents lowered the level of cytochrome P-450 species catalyzing omega- and (omega-1)-hydroxylation of laurate to a similar extent. On the other hand, aminopyrine N- and p-nitroanisole O-demethylation activities in Emulgen 913-treated rats was decreased while those in sodium dodecylsulfate-treated rats did not change, though the content of cytochrome P-450 was decreased by both administrations

Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date: 2/10/00; Reporting date: 4/10/00.

As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer saftey standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA '88 were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern than those on List C, and with List C containing pesticides of greater concern than those on List D. Nonylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol is found on List C. Case No: 3118; Pesticide type: Insecticide, antimicrobial; Case Status: No products containing the pesticide are actively registered ... The case /is characterized/ as "cancelled." Under FIFRA, pesticide producers may voluntarily cancel their registered products. EPA also may cancel pesticide registrations if registrants fail to pay required fees or make/meet certain reregistration commitments, or if EPA reaches findings of unreasonable adverse effects.; Active ingredient (AI): Nonylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol; AI Status: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."