Subchronic percutaneous toxicity studies were conducted on two liquid dishwashing detergents containing anionic surfactants (C12-14 alkylethoxylate sulphate) to assess the safety of these materials for human exposure. The detergents were administered dermally to the shaved backs of rabbits (dose volume of 2 ml/kg body weight) at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5% in distilled water for 91 days. No adverse systemic effects were demonstrated by assessment of haematological parameters or by gross or microscopic tissue examination. Transient slight to moderate dermal irritation at the detergent application site was observed with detergent A. Slight to moderate dermal irritation confined to the detergent application site was noted in the detergent B study.