Nonylphenols (NPs) have been known to disrupt endocrine function and sexual development in aquatic organisms. Environmental exposure occurs from breakdown products of the industrially important alkylphenol (poly)ethoxylates (APEs). Due to their outstanding surfactant properties they have been produced from NP in large quantities and used in detergents and cleaning products as well as emulsifiers in paints, pesticides and textiles. Ninety percent of the APEs produced are nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). Octylphenol ethoxylates are less commonly used.

The US EPA is working collaboratively with ASTM to develop and validate an analytical method for NPs and APEs. Under its plan, the US EPA will add nonylphenols (NPs) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) to the Toxic Release Inventory thus requiring companies to report their discharge of the substances into water, air or land. Some U.S. corporations have recognized the dangers of NPEs and voluntarily eliminated NPEs in their products.

The European Union and Canada have already banned the use of NPEs in detergents. According to the European Union’s Directive 76/769/EEC, the use of these compounds is restricted.