A fear of phosphates.

• Position: STATELINE

Virginia has joined a handful of states that have banned phosphates from all home dishwasher detergents. The ban will not take effect until 2010, however, to give detergent companies time to develop alternatives. Phosphates encourage the growth of algae, which clouds the water and depletes the oxygen that underwater plants and animals need to survive. Phosphates are among the most damaging...