Concerning Chemicals Discovered in Common Household Cleaners, Scientists Warn

Can the very things you’re using to clean up your house actually be making you sick? As the discussion of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” becomes more widespread, so too are scientists learning about other types of chemicals found in everyday products that could pose a health risk. 

These are known as “quats” — not to be confused with a certain Total Recall character — and they may well prompt a longer look at the labels of your household cleaners. Here’s what you should know.

What are Quats?

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a common type of chemical used for many years in a variety of products, including cleaners, disinfectants, personal care items, and consumer goods.^(ref) Some scientists call the term QACs.^(ref)

While many household cleaners contain ammonia, it’s the effects of “quats” on the human body that are raising concerns due to their unsettling and wide-ranging impact.^(ref)

Common Use of Quats

The use of QACs as germ-killers has risen significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many QAC-based disinfectants are approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as effective against common pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2.^(ref) This has likely contributed to their increased usage.

Here’s a breakdown of their common uses:

1. Disinfectants & Sanitizers

• Household Cleaners: Quats are commonly found in all-purpose cleaners, disinfecting wipes, bathroom cleaners, and kitchen cleaners. They are effective at killing germs on surfaces and preventing the spread of illness.
• Healthcare Settings: Quats are widely used in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities to disinfect surfaces, equipment, and instruments.
• Food Industry: They are used in food processing plants and commercial kitchens to sanitize surfaces and prevent contamination.

2. Personal Care Products

• Antibacterial Soap and Hand Sanitizer: Quats are often included as the active ingredient in these products to kill germs on hands.
• Hair Care Products: Some shampoos and conditioners contain quats to act as antistatic agents and detanglers.

3. Industrial Applications

• Water Treatment: Quats are used to control the growth of algae and other microorganisms in swimming pools, hot tubs, and industrial water systems.
• Textile and Leather Preservation: They help prevent the growth of mold and mildew on fabrics and leather goods.
• Wood Preservation: Quats can protect wood from decay caused by fungi and insects.

4. Other Uses

• Agriculture: Some pesticides and fungicides contain quats to control pests and plant diseases.
• Fabric Softeners: Certain fabric softeners utilize quats to reduce static cling.

A Wide Range of Health Risks

While quats are generally safe when used as directed, it’s important to be aware of potential concerns.

According to a study published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal, exposure to quats are linked to a variety of health issues, including:

• Pulmonary disease: Research suggests a potential link between quats and respiratory problems, including pulmonary disease.
• Asthma: Exposure to quats has been associated with the development and exacerbation of asthma symptoms.
• Brain cell damage: Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential for quats to damage brain cells, particularly in developing brains.
• Other health effects: In addition to the above, quats have been linked to skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, and reproductive and developmental toxicity in animals.^(ref) 

A Call for More Research & Regulation

The study from the Environmental Science & Technology also made a compelling case for more research into and regulation of this chemical class. 

The authors wrote that the “Environmental Protection Agency’s current method of grouping QACs based on structure, first proposed in 1988, is insufficient to address the wide range of QAC chemistries, potential toxicities, and exposure scenarios.”

Research on the long-term health effects of quats is ongoing. However, the available evidence suggests that these chemicals may pose a significant risk to human health, and further investigation is warranted.