Many people use strong cleaning products to keep their homes spotless, but those same products may harm health. New research points to a specific chemical as a concern.
A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology indicates that quaternary ammonium compounds, or QACs, are a chemical many may want to avoid. The research explores how these compounds enter the body and their effects.
Studying How QACs Enter the Body and Their Effects
Study authors noted that exposure to QACs was already known to raise the risk for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Because QACs are not easily absorbed through the gut or skin, researchers 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. The mice were exposed to various chemicals, including QACs. Researchers then measured QAC levels in the mice’s blood.
The team found that when mice breathed in QACs at levels that hurt their lungs, the QACs in their blood were similar to levels found in human blood. This suggests breathing in 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.
What To Use Instead
The study authors report that QACs remain widely used despite evidence of harm. They note that after the FDA banned alternative disinfectants triclosan and triclocarban in 2015, the use of QACs increased. Usage rose further during the COVID-19 epidemic, and air concentrations of QACs went up in that period.
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, avoiding all QACs may be wise, but aerosol products are of particular concern. “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.
For safer cleaning, the study authors suggest looking for nontoxic cleaners without harsh chemicals. Products with a Safer Choice label follow best practices set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Other helpful labels include Non-GMO Project, B-Corp, and MADE SAFE certified.
The Takeaway
If deep cleaning sometimes leaves you feeling respiratory discomfort, these findings may explain why. QACs, especially when inhaled, can damage lung health and may increase the risk of asthma and COPD. The study suggests harsh products are not necessary for a clean home, recommending non-toxic alternatives for household chores.
The research adds to ongoing scrutiny of common household chemicals. Regulatory bodies like the EPA continue to assess ingredients in consumer products, with some states considering restrictions on certain disinfectants. Consumer awareness of product labels is increasingly seen as important for making informed, healthier choices for the home.
