Nonionic surfactants are a major class of nonionic compounds used in household and industrial cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Their ability to reduce surface tension makes them effective in emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting applications. Regulatory agencies assess the safety of these compounds by considering factors such as human exposure levels, environmental persistence, and degradation products. The regulation of nonionic surfactants involves setting safety thresholds and guidelines for their use to minimize risks to human health and the environment.
