Nathan López Bezerra
People often use strong cleaning products to keep their homes spotless, but many of these cleaners can negatively affect health. New research points to a specific group of chemicals as a concern.
A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology suggests avoiding quaternary ammonium compounds, or QACs. Researchers already knew that exposure to QACs raises the risk for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
Because QACs are not easily absorbed through the gut or skin, the study authors hypothesized that breathing them in could increase their levels in blood and raise the risk for airway diseases. To test this, they conducted a study on mice, exposing them to various chemicals including QACs and then measuring QAC levels in their blood.
The team found that when mice breathed in QACs at levels that harmed 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.
Lead study author Gino Cortopassi 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,” Cortopassi said.
Despite evidence of harm, QACs remain widely used. The study authors note that the banning of other disinfectants in 2015 and the increased cleaning during the COVID-19 epidemic led to greater QAC usage and higher air concentrations of the chemicals.
With one million pounds or more 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. “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,” Cortopassi said.
As an alternative, the study authors point to nontoxic cleaners without harsh chemicals. They recommend looking for products with a Safer Choice label from the Environmental Protection Agency, which indicates the brand follows specific safety practices. Other labels to look for include Non-GMO Project, B-Corp, and MADE SAFE certified.
The research indicates that the respiratory irritation some people feel after deep cleaning could be linked to inhaling QACs. These chemicals, especially when breathed in, 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 options are available.
The study was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Information on the EPA’s Safer Choice program can be found on the agency’s website.
