Phosphates are the salts of phosphoric acid. For a long time, phosphate was a central component of detergents and cleaning agents: it works as a water softener and prevents loosened dirt from settling on clothing again.
Phosphates are the salts of phosphoric acid. For a long time, phosphate was a central component of detergents and cleaning agents: it works as a water softener and prevents loosened dirt from settling on clothing again.
In Switzerland, however, phosphates in detergents have been banned since 1986 because they lead to over-fertilization of water bodies and literally deprive organisms of the oxygen they need to breathe.
Since the ban, the water quality in Swiss lakes has improved noticeably.
The situation is different with dishwashing liquid and dishwasher tabs: they can still contain phosphate.
