The concept of environmental health comprises aspects of biological and human health, which are determined by physical, chemical and biological factors in the environment. It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing, correcting, controlling, and preventing those factors in the environment that can potentially adversely affect the health of present and future generations of biological life. Water, air, soil and sediment pollution are integral aspects of environmental health. Environmental health in this context refers primarily to the environmental occurrence, fate and effects associated to the consumer product ingredients. Since the primary environmental points of entry for soap and detergent ingredients are via water, emphasis is placed on their aquatic fate and effects. Moreover, since surfactants in volume represent >90% of the total material volume directly relevant to The American Cleaning Institute, significant focus is placed on surfactants in the Institute's work. However, other ingredients of interest are also addressed. Protection of environmental and human health is obviously an imperative feature of sustainability and a commitment by The American Cleaning Institute and its members.