asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if EEC regulations on the harmonisation of the biodegradability of detergents are likely to be made soon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Detergent Regulations.
55.
EEC directives have been adopted in relation to the biodegradability of detergents and to the methods of testing the biodegradability of anionic surfactants. The directives are to be implemented from 27th May, 1975, and this country will take the necessary legal and administrative steps in the next few months to meet this deadline. Further EEC directives on biodegradability of detergents are in preparation.
Could the Minister explain what is meant by the term "biodegradability"? Does it mean the effectiveness of them?
"Biodegradability" measures the breakdown of a given amount of detergent due to biological action which is, in fact, bacterial action. The desirable detergent should be completely eaten up by bacteria so that it does not leave a residue. It is the breakdown by bacteria.