Overuse of disinfectants linked to health risks, study finds
Disinfectant wipes containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are exposing people to dangerous chemicals that are linked to serious health problems, contribute to antimicrobial resistance, pollute the environment, and are not particularly effective against COVID-19. Recent research has linked QACs to infertility, birth defects, metabolic disruption, asthma, skin disorders, and other diseases. The chemicals are persistent and thought to be bioaccumulative, meaning they accumulate in human bodies and the environment. The paper calls on regulatory agencies to provide more clarity around the chemicals, including more research on quats’ health effects, better labeling, and elimination of non-essential uses.
