Surfactants are widely used in a range of adhesives and sealants, primarily to promote the wetting of surfaces to promote adhesion. Unfortunately, some of them have been found to have suspect toxicity profiles or environmental issues.
A good example can be found in alkylphenol ethoxylates, particularly nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), which are produced in large volumes and used for industrial processes and in consumer laundry detergents, personal hygiene, automotive, latex paints, and lawn care products. Many of these, such as laundry detergents, are “down-the-drain” applications. NPEs, though less toxic and persistent than nonyl phenol itself, are highly toxic to aquatic organisms and degrade into nonyl phenol in the environment. These products have been banned or their use severely restricted in many countries.