Toxicological investigations with fluorescent whitening agents.

The reasons for which toxicological investigations are carried out are: -handling and consumer safety, -the critical attitude of the public towards the use of chemicals in general, -the need to weigh benefit against risk when using chemicals, and -the safety requirements introduced by authorities. The guidelines for toxicological evaluation of chemicals and particularly fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs), as well as the extent of which man is possibly exposed to these substances through alimentary intake or through contact with the skin are discussed. It is concluded that there is a very wide safety margin for every conceivable use of FWAs.