Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is considered safe for the environment when diluted as part of a product formulation (shampoos, soaps, etc.). In this form, it decomposes into simple, nontoxic components typically within 96 hours. This means that it is biodegradable and poses no danger to the environment. Undiluted SLS can pose a moderate toxicity risk to marine life, though it will still degrade within 96 hours, which should be well before it reaches natural waters.