Many people use strong cleaning products to keep their homes spotless. However, these very cleaners can have negative effects on health.
New research published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology points to quaternary ammonium compounds, or QACs, as a chemical group to avoid. The study investigated how these compounds enter the body and their effects.
The authors noted that exposure to QACs was already known to raise the risk for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Since QACs are not easily absorbed through the gut or skin, researchers hypothesized that breathing them in could increase their levels in blood and contribute to airway diseases.
To test this, they conducted a study on mice, exposing them to various chemicals including QACs. They then measured QAC levels in the mice’s blood.
The team found that when mice breathed in QACs at levels that damaged their lungs, the QACs in their blood were similar to levels found in human blood. This suggests that inhaling QACs is far more harmful than ingesting them.
Gino Cortopassi, the lead study author, explained the findings. “The surprising result of this study was that these compounds, when inhaled, caused 100-fold more lung injury and 100-fold more lethality compared to oral ingestion,” he said.
Despite evidence of harm, QACs remain widely used. The study authors note that a ban on other disinfectants in 2015 and increased cleaning during the COVID-19 pandemic led to greater QAC usage and higher air concentrations.
With over one million pounds of QACs produced or imported each year, they are found in many products. These include herbicides, eye drop disinfectants, nasal sprays, oral mouthwash disinfectants, and dryer sheets.
Based on the study’s findings, aerosol products containing QACs may be particularly important to avoid. Cortopassi stated, “We have to question whether we really want to have all of these QAC-based disinfectant sprays in the environment given their proven lung toxicity in mice.”
Choosing nontoxic cleaners without harsh chemicals is recommended. Consumers can look for products with a Safer Choice label, which indicates the brand follows U.S. Environmental Protection Agency best practices. Other helpful certifications include Non-GMO Project, B-Corp, and MADE SAFE.
The research offers a potential explanation for why people might feel respiratory irritation after a day of heavy cleaning. Inhaling QACs could damage lung health and increase the risk of asthma and COPD. The findings suggest that effective cleaning does not require harsh products, and non-toxic alternatives are available.
The study adds to ongoing scientific scrutiny of common household chemicals. Regulatory bodies like the EPA continue to review and update safety standards for disinfectants and cleaning agents available to the public. Consumer awareness of product ingredients and third-party safety certifications plays a key role in making healthier choices for home environments.
