In an agreement this November, EU member states agreed on reducing the use of phosphors compounds in dishwasher and laundry detergents.
The decision, taken by EU member states 'representatives, given the green light to ban the use of phosphates in household cleaning products. This amended EU regulation aims to reduce the levels of phosphorous compounds found in wastewater which produce eutrophication' or the formation of blue-green algae that starve fish of oxygen in lakes and streams.
The new restrictions, which were not included in the initial proposal from the European Commission, relate to banning phosphates use in dishwashers as well as laundry products, a move that was welcomed by the European Parliament.