ABSTRACT
The widespread use of surfactants in everyday products requires that the desired properties as well as the unwanted effects are known in order to recognize possible risks and prevent any damage to the health of humans. To understand the effects of surfactants on the organism, their most important biochemical effects, which depend on the interaction of surface active agents with basic biological structures like membranes, proteins, and enzymes are discussed. Following this discussion the local effects of surfactants are described: effects encountered directly at the point of contact with the outer surfaces of the body, such as skin and ‘mucous membrane irritation as well as allergies arising from skin contact. After this section the toxicokinetic properties of surfactants are discussed, providing information about type and extent of absorption of surfactants by organisms, metabolic pathways, and surfactant elimination. In contrast to local effects, the section on systemic effects deals with reactions arising after the substance has entered the organism by ingestion, skin penetration, or inhalation.
