Measurement of enzyme laundry product dust levels and characteristics in consumer use

Prior to the adoption of improved dust control measures, some factory workers developed allergic respiratory symptoms during the manufacture of enzyme laundry detergents. Since then, the industrial hygiene problem is being brought under control by maintaining dust exposure below levels where allergic respiratory symptoms develop. However, the fact that enzyme allergies could develop in manufacturing plants prompted questions from outside the soap and detergent industry regarding consumer safety of enzyme detergents. Although detergent dust levels in consumer use were known to be very low, a comprehensive testing program was undertaken to place quantitative dimension on the difference between home use and factory operation. Levels and characteristics of detergent dust and enzyme dust generated during home use of laundry detergents have been measured using specialized equipment and procedures. Data from laboratory and in‐home studies confirm that laundry products containing an agglomerated enzyme complex are safe from the standpoint of potential consumer exposure to enzyme dust. Even under conditions of excessive home use, consumer exposure is extremely low and can be compared to only a minute fraction of the industrial exposures which are considered to be safe.