Should the use of household disinfectants be reduced?

New research published earlier this month highlights concerns about the increased use of household disinfectants.

More than two dozen scientists have published their findings in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. The researchers noted the use of quaternary ammonium compounds, which are commonly used in household cleaners.

According to Oregon State University, quaternary ammonium compounds “kill germs, including bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that could make us sick. They work by breaking down the membranes of bacteria and the outer coatings of viruses.”

But those same chemicals meant to keep you healthy can cause health problems including asthma, dermatitis and inflammation, researchers have warned. They said these chemicals can also make some species of bacteria resistant to quaternary ammonium compounds and antibiotics.

“It’s ironic that the chemicals we deploy in vain for one health crisis are actually fueling another,” said co-author Erica Hartmann, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern University. “Antimicrobial resistance was already contributing to millions of deaths a year before the pandemic. Overzealous disinfection, especially with products containing CAQs, threatens to worsen the situation.”

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The researchers said that since the pandemic, the use of cleaners such as wipes, hand sanitizers, sprays and foggers has increased. They noted that levels of quaternary ammonium compounds in people and the environment have increased.

They say this is especially concerning for those who frequently use these chemicals, such as doctors, nurses, janitors and teachers.

Researchers do not encourage avoiding them completely, but rather avoiding using them unnecessarily. They say there is no benefit to using these chemicals over soap and water.

“Drastically reducing many uses of CAQs will not spread COVID-19,” Carol Kwiatkowski, co-author and scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute, said in a press release. “In fact, it will make our homes, classrooms, offices and other shared spaces healthier.”

The Consumer Product Information Database contains information on the exact household products that contain these chemicals.

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