Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

November 22, 2008 8:07:59 AM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Wash. State Bans Some Dishwasher Detergents

Posted Jun 18, 08 6:21 PM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – Washington state will soon begin phasing in a ban on some big-name dishwater detergents because they contain too much phosphorus, the Bellingham Herald reports. Detergents such as Cascade and Electrasol, which contain more than 0.5% phosphorous, will be banned in Whatcom and Spokane counties July 1 and in the rest of the state in 2010. State officials say phosphorus runoff is polluting local water bodies.

The runoff fuels algae blooms that use up oxygen in the water and leave lakes and ponds depleted. This can suffocate salmon and other aquatic life. The ban will apply only to individual homes, not to restaurants or industries, the Herald notes. Stores are stocking up on low-phosphorous alternatives, which are generally more expensive.

Source Bellingham Herald

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Smog Costs California $28B a Year

    Nov 13, 08 2:40 AM CST
    Smog Costs California $28B a Year Health problems caused by pollution choke $28 billion out of California's economy every year, according to a new study. Most of the cost is linked to 3,000 smog-related deaths each year, along with days of work missed by workers with respiratory problems aggravated by pollution spewed from tailpipes and smokestacks, reports the Los Angeles Times.
    More »

  • Oysters May Clean East Coast Waters

    Oct 12, 08 8:10 PM CDT
    Oysters May Clean East Coast Waters Oysters can be shocked into repopulating and cleaning up America's waterways, the Christian Science Monitor reports. A project in New York's East River is using metal reefs, powered by solar panels, to build up limestone and help oysters grow. The upside is that they filter water—up to 50 gallons a day per oyster. More »

  • 4 in 10 North American Fish Species in Peril

    Sep 10, 08 6:56 PM CDT
    4 in 10 North American Fish Species in Peril About four out of 10 freshwater fish species in North America are in peril, says a major study by US, Canadian, and Mexican scientists. And the number of subspecies of fish populations in trouble has nearly doubled since 1989, the new report says. One biologist called it "silent extinctions" because few notice the dramatic dwindling deep in lakes, rivers, and streams. And while they are unaware, people are the chief cause of the problem by polluting and damming freshwater habitats, experts said. More »

  • Gadfly Stalls San Francisco Bike Measures

    Aug 20, 08 3:23 PM CDT
    Gadfly Stalls San Francisco Bike Measures San Francisco's plans to make the city more bike-friendly are stuck in the slow lane thanks to litigation from an anti-cycling activist, the Wall Street Journal reports. Rob Anderson believes adding bike lanes causes pollution by clogging up traffic. The progressive city is now unable even to install new bike racks before a court-ordered environmental review finishes.
    More »

  • Beijing Launches Pollution Crackdown for Olympics

    Jul 20, 08 5:34 AM CDT
    Beijing Launches Pollution Crackdown for Olympics Beijing has launched tough new anti-pollution measures this week in a bid to clean the air for Olympic athletes in time for the games. Officials expect to force nearly half of the city's 3.3 million cars off the road, which will drive commuters onto already-crowded public transport, Reuters reports. "It will bring some real difficulties in transportation for ordinary people," warned a driver. More »

Some dishwasher detergents will soon be banned in Washington state.   (Flickr)
Some dishwater detergents, including Cascade, will be banned in Washington state.   ((c) noricum)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 1)

Tags

environment • pollution • Washington state


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »