Cleaning and Maintenance
Whether
you clean your boat in the water or on land, your cleaning products
will often end up in the water. Products used on boat hulls and
decks often contain chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and
solvents, all potentially harmful to the aquatic environment.
Detergents containing phosphates (such as washing-up liquids and
laundry detergents) can lead to nutrient enrichment causing algal
blooms and oxygen depletion, causing localised suffocation of
aquatic life.
Other
products, such as degreasers, can dry the natural oils that fish
need for their gills to function properly. Sadly many cleaning
products also contain chemicals which candisrupt the reproductive
cycle of fish, invertebrates and amphibians.
Another
common problem product is Triclosan (often marketed as Microban).
This is added to a wide range of products, such as liquid soaps,
shower gels, mouthwashes, toothpastes, antibacterial sprays and
washing-up liquid. Triclosan compounds can affect the structure and
function of algal communities, and can accumulate in organisms such
as fish and crustaceans.
Best Practice Advice
Leaflets & Resources
Green Products
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