AbstractThe potential hazard of a carbonate‐based, phosphate‐free detergent was compared with that of a variety of granular and liquid phosphate detergents. Evaluations were made using methods prescribed by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) and others designed to more closely approximate exposure in actual use. Some phosphate products produced esophageal and gastric mucosal irritation similar to that produced by the nonphosphate detergent, while others caused varying, lesser degrees of injury. The nonphosphate detergent, as well as several phosphate products, was seriously irritating to the unwashed eye at required FHSA test levels. Under more realistic conditions, eye irritation was reduced significantly. Skin irritation by the nonphosphate product was comparable to that by phosphate detergents, and in some cases was lower. In skin irritation tests with human subjects, results with the carbonate detergent were equal to or lower than those obtained with phosphate detergents. The carbonate detergent was found not to be phototoxic, nor a contact‐ nor photo‐sensitizer. Total alkalinity was shown not to correlate with the severity of tissue injury in either test animals or in man.