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

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623815300319

2. Environmental Working Group, https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/substance_groups/61-Esterquats/

3. 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.

11 Baby and Infant Products And Their Common Toxins

Some products come with the territory when you’re expecting a new baby, others are entirely optional but have hidden toxins that you need to be aware of. The list of toxins to avoid is ever-growing and the marketplace a mind field of potential hidden toxicities. Marketing does not always help as it may obscure more than offer helpful information.

Ultimately, this leaves the responsibility to you, mums and dads, to know the ingredients and materials behind your products — what's good for you and baby and what is not.

To cut to the chase, here is a list of the MOST COMMON baby products that you may not know are frequently full of toxins. For all of these products, you can choose better alternatives that are actually safe and support your baby’s biological development.

baby monitors

It would be difficult to actually study the effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from baby monitors on babies (not to mention the ethics of such a study), but we can infer a lot from the thousands of studies that look at how wireless radiation from cell phones affects children. Moreover, baby monitors tend to be used close to the baby (at least within the same room) and during sleep, which is a critical period of rest and growth for the baby.

If you need a baby monitor, check out this low-EMF baby monitors guide.

Infant car seats

Is your infant car seat treated with flame retardants? Many common baby products such as baby bedding, pillows, mats, and even car seat may be treated with toxic flame retardants, depending on the country of production (that governs regulations). The only way around this is to choose one NOT treated with chemicals and to seek 100% natural materials in your baby bedding.

Plastic baby bottles

Made out of plastic baby bottles, sippy cups, plastic feeding containers contain plasticisers that disrupt hormones. These are the big four (in)famous Phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polystyrene

Even after BPA was banned (only for some products, by the way — check out this article for more details) in 2012, its “BPA-free” alternatives (BPS, BPE, BPF, etc.) are just as toxic and harmful. Even low doses of endocrine disruptors can still have an effect.

In order to totally avoid BPA and its alternatives, it’s best to choose products that are not made of plastic, such as stainless steel, hospital-grade silicone, and glass.

Luckily, nowadays many sturdy glass alternatives are available. I used the glass Natural Start baby bottles from Tommee Tippee, and it was such a breeze to clean and scrub glass vs soft plastic too.

Fragrances

Things can get a bit messy especially during the postpartum to early years, and we might rely on our powerful sense of smell for a soothing reminder of calmer things. However, you want to strictly avoid artificial fragrances! Fragrances can contain synthetic chemicals that are derived from harmful sources like coal and petroleum, which can cause skin, respiratory, and even neurological issues. They also contain pthalates are harmful as they are linked to developmental disorders, respiratory issues, and fertility issues

Hand sanitisers

Triclosan is an antimicrobial ingredient often found in hand sanitizers and antibacterial soap) and it has been linked to such a significant impact on the thyroid and reproductive hormones that it’s banned in several countries.

Sunscreen lotion

These common skincare products often contain parabens and phthalates that are harmful, endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Talcum powder

While talcum powder itself, as a smoothing agent, is generally safe; it is made from talc, a mineral made up mainly of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. However, it has the potential to be contaminated with asbestos, which is a known carcinogen and instigator of lung disease.

Baby Shampoo

There are more formulations for baby that any parent can keep track of. Look beyond ““gentle” and “pure” to find out the ingredients. One common ingredient, Formaldehyde some baby shampoos, and body washes. Many preservatives actually release formaldehyde (they’re called formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs)). are used in many personal care products. (Yes, the same found in particleboards that causes lung issues.)

Short-term exposure to formaldehyde may cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat and skin irritation. Formaldehyde and the formaldehyde-releasing preservative, quaternium-15, are significant sensitizers and causal agents of contact dermatitis in children. Even trace amounts are a concern as it is enough to sensitive the body.

Wood-composite furniture

While new “ultra low-emitting” formaldehyde (ULEF) and no-added formaldehyde (NAF) resins were developed, it is a concern especially if youhave just finished a renovation and/or bought new furniture. Formaldehyde is normally present at low levels (less than 0.03 parts per million) in both indoor and outdoor air. It can be many times that usual amount within homes due to the choice of materials and pool ventilation.

new furniture

Likewise, a lot of the materials we use to coat furniture contain solvents, and also other materials to seal them in, that can be harmful. One example can be formaldehyde, this is a chemical that’s used in furniture polishes and stains. Off-gassing can last long after your furniture loses its new shine.

It’s not a good idea for the postpartum phase if you’re going to be ensconced with baby in a small space, breathing in these fumes.

References & resources

1. Weatherly LM, Gosse JA. Triclosan exposure, transformation, and human health effects. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2017;20(8):447‐469. doi:10.1080/10937404.2017.1399306