Expert: Tom Newman - 10/14/2009

Question
I have a science research project that I am doing for school. I need to know some things about biodegradable soap. These are a few questions:
1-Is this soap really needed?
2-Can it be harmful?

If you would help me, I would really appreciate it!

Answer
Hi Lindley,

Most soaps contain chemicals and can be harmful to wildlife if released into streams and lakes.

Here is a good article which explains the safety issues with soap...

http://www.cleaning101.com/sdalatest/html/soapsafety1.htm
http://www.cleaning101.com/sdalatest/html/soapsafety2.htm

Biodegradable means that the soap will decompose through the actions of bacteria, fungi, and other living organisms.

This means that you will not kill wild life but you still need to get rid of the soapy water at least 250' from any water source so that the bacteria and fungi will have a chance to decompose them before they can get to the water.

While I suppose that one could say that it is not really necessary to use biodegradable soap, it would not be responsible to do so.

In your second question, it should not be harmful if used properly.  It should be noted that if usually you only use a few drops in your wash water.  If you were to use a whole bunch you would make it more concentrated and this would take longer to break down causing problems when it reached the water source.

Tom Newman
scout043@aol.com