What are “Quats”? Preservatives that May Release Formaldehyde and Exacerbate Asthma
Washing your hands is at the top of the list when it comes to avoiding contagious illnesses and infections, but many still make the mistake of assuming you have to use antibacterial soap to get the job done right.
If you’re also using “anti-bacterials” to clean your home, routinely disinfecting your body and surroundings may actually cause more harm than good in the long run. Not only do they promote the development of drug-resistant bacteria, antibacterial compounds such as triclosan and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs or "quats") have also been linked to a number of harmful health effects.
What are quats?
Quats, (quaternary ammonium compounds), are a type of ammonia-based disinfectant chemical used in cleaning products, laundry products, disinfecting wipes, dishwashing soap, hand soap, wood products, water purification (algaecides, for example), textile production, and in other household, agricultural, and industrial products.
Quats are registered as pesticides, like other common disinfectants, such as bleach.
Quats are chemicals that contain the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) in their chemical makeup and can come under many names, such as “polyquaternium-11”.
They are used as preservatives, surfactants, germicides, and conditioning agents, and thus found in many products from hand sanitisers to hair mousse. They are a common active ingredient in cleaning supplies and disinfectants.
Biocides are antimicrobial chemicals. Their sole purpose is to kill unwanted or harmful living things such as plants (usually weeds), microbes, animals, viruses, fungi, etc.
Quats work by adhering to their target, then breaking down their structure, which destroys them. They also work as a preservative, a pesticide (diquat and paraquat), an anti-static compound, and a surfactant.
brief history on quats
Quats came to the market before the EPA (USA) began regulating chemicals, they were exempt from the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act. This means they were grandfathered in and can continue being used in consumer products without EPA safety testing.
Since then, they have been tested in numerous studies, and the results are showing more harm than we thought.
The research on quats
Like many synthetic preservatives, however, some quats can be toxic, causing irritation and allergic reactions in humans.
The Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (USA) classifies quats as “asthmagens,” meaning they can trigger asthma attacks and cause new cases in asthma-free individuals.
Because they are so good at ‘sticking’ or adhering to surfaces and substrates, they also leave a residue that is potentially harmful to health and the environment.
Quaternary ammonia compounds, or quats, are disinfectants often added to cleaning supplies. Quats are asthmagens that have also been associated with reduced fertility and birth defects.
Quats are Everywhere
In the University of Massachusetts’ review, they write that of the disinfectants approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than half are QAC-based.
fertility risks
Quats are one of two frequently used as disinfectants in cleaning products and antibacterial wipes, as anti-static agents in fabric softeners and dryer sheets, and as preservatives in personal care products undermined fertility in both male and female mice, according to a pivotal new study by researchers.[2]
Examples of products containing Quats include:
All-purpose cleaners
Adhesive bandages
Bathroom cleaners
Baby wipes
Baby wash and shampoo
Body wash
Building materials
Contact lens cleaner
Cosmetics
Deodorant
Dish soap and detergent
Disinfectant wipes
Dryer sheets
Fabric softener
Fabric spray
Feminine hygiene products
Floor cleaner
Hair color
Hair spray
Hair gel, and other styling products
Hand soap
Hand sanitizer
Nasal sprays
Kitchen cleaners
Oven cleaners
Fingerpaint
Perfume
Pet shampoos
Sunscreen
Shampoos
Shaving cream
Toothpaste and other oral care products
Wound wash
Keeping a Tox Free Body and Environment
Quaternary ammonium compounds, also referred to as “QACs” or “quats,” contribute to antimicrobial resistance, pollute the environment and are linked to several health issues, including reproductive dysfunction.
If you use harsh chemicals inside your home, you’re only inviting toxins into your home. Instead, choose nontoxic and multiuse combinations to clean, deodorize and polish your home.
Resources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623815300319
Environmental Working Group, https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/substance_groups/61-Esterquats/
Check out this longer article on quats https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/clorox-disinfectant-wipes-reproductive-health-cola/
Do you have questions about the use of disinfectants and COVID-19? Sign up to get a free guide that addresses cleaning products, including disinfectants, quats, safer and effective options in keeping a clean home that is also safe for you and your loved ones.
Learn more about Avoiding Common Household Asthma Triggers here.