SLS is considered safe for the environment. It decomposes into simple, nontoxic components typically within 96 hours. This means that it is biodegradable and poses no danger to the environment. Please note that this only applies to diluted SLS forms as part of product formulations (like shampoos or soaps). Undiluted SLS does pose moderate toxicity levels to marine life. However, in either scenario, the compound will degrade after 96 hours, which means that it'll be degraded by the time it reaches natural waters.