Scientific Study Indicates: Household Cleaning Agents Release a Plethora of Dangerous Chemicals

A research paper from the Environmental Working Group has highlighted the potential health dangers posed by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in domestic cleaning supplies. Upon evaluating 30 different products, the study disclosed the existence of 530 distinct VOCs, 193 of which were categorized as hazardous. These compounds adversely affect the quality of indoor air and are correlated with health complications, particularly among professionals in the cleaning sector.

The use of household cleaning agents introduces perilous VOCs into the environment, thereby posing health risks and contributing to atmospheric pollution. Safer options would be eco-friendly or fragrance-free cleaning products.

The peer-reviewed research, led by scientists from the Environmental Working Group, divulges concerning information about the health hazards associated with common household cleaning supplies.

The scrutiny involved 30 various cleaning agents, encompassing multipurpose cleaners, glass-cleaning solutions, air fresheners, and others. The results, published on September 12 in the scientific journal Chemosphere, reveal that these routine items may discharge hundreds of risky VOCs.

Researchers conducted tests on both conventional and eco-friendly cleaning agents, identifying a total of 530 unique VOCs across the 30 products tested. Among these, 193 VOCs were deemed hazardous, with the potential for causing respiratory damage, elevating cancer risk, and affecting both developmental and reproductive health.

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Implications for Indoor Air Quality

VOCs originating from cleaning supplies have a detrimental effect on both indoor and outdoor air quality. However, the contamination is more severe indoors, ranging from two to five times greater than outdoor levels, according to some estimates even reaching up to ten times higher. Certain products continue to emit VOCs for extended periods, ranging from days to months.

Alexis Temkin, Ph.D., a senior toxicologist at EWG, stated, “This research serves as an urgent alert for consumers, the scientific community, and regulatory bodies to be more cognizant of the possible dangers associated with the myriad chemicals permeating our indoor air.”

Temkin also noted that one method to mitigate exposure to hazardous VOCs is by choosing eco-friendly products, particularly those that are also fragrance-free.

Emission Patterns and Recommendations

The study concluded that eco-friendly products released fewer VOCs compared to their conventional counterparts, approximately half as many on average. The eco-friendly products labeled as fragrance-free emitted the fewest VOCs—almost eight times fewer than conventional and four times fewer than eco-friendly products that included fragrance.

Similarly, eco-friendly cleaning supplies emitted only an average of four hazardous chemicals, compared to about 15 in eco-friendly supplies containing fragrance and 22 in conventional supplies.

This data implies that opting for eco-friendly, or both eco-friendly and fragrance-free cleaning agents, is advisable for those who are concerned about indoor air quality and possible health risks.

Broader Health and Environmental Concerns

The health ramifications of VOCs are particularly alarming given the extent to which they affect workers in the cleaning industry. Studies indicate that such individuals face a 50% higher risk of developing asthma and a 43% increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Furthermore, women employed in this sector also confront a heightened risk of lung cancer.

The well-being of children could also be compromised. Existing research suggests that elevated utilization of particular indoor cleaning agents during pregnancy and infancy correlates with an increased likelihood of asthma and wheezing during childhood.

“Not only do these cleaning supplies pose risks to our health, they are also detrimental to the environment,” stated Samara Geller, EWG senior director of cleaning science.

The findings also have environmental repercussions. VOCs from consumer products contribute to atmospheric pollution, exacerbating existing environmental challenges. A 2018 study estimated that consumer products account for half of the VOCs responsible for air pollution.

Geller concluded, “Adopting eco-friendly cleaning products is a straightforward approach to reducing exposure to harmful substances, which is especially critical for the health of women and children.”

Reference: “Volatile organic compounds emitted by conventional and ‘green’ cleaning products in the U.S. market” by Alexis M. Temkin, Samara L. Geller, Sydney A. Swanson, Nneka S. Leiba, Olga V. Naidenko, and David Q. Andrews, published on September 12, 2023, in Chemosphere.
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139570

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hazardous Volatile Organic Compounds in Household Cleaning Products

What is the main focus of the study by the Environmental Working Group?

The main focus of the study is to investigate the presence and impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in common household cleaning products. The study analyzed 30 different cleaning products and identified a total of 530 unique VOCs, 193 of which were considered hazardous to human health.

What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and why are they of concern?

Volatile organic compounds are organic chemicals that have high vapor pressure at room temperature. They are of concern because they can adversely affect indoor air quality and are associated with various health issues such as respiratory problems, increased cancer risk, and potential developmental and reproductive impacts.

What types of cleaning products were analyzed in the study?

The study examined a range of cleaning products including multipurpose cleaners, glass-cleaning solutions, and air fresheners among others. Both conventional and “green” or eco-friendly cleaning products were analyzed.

How do VOCs affect indoor air quality?

VOCs from cleaning products can contaminate indoor air two to five times more than outdoor air, according to the study. Some estimates even suggest levels can be as high as 10 times greater indoors. Certain products continue to emit VOCs for extended periods, ranging from days to months.

Are there any safer alternatives to conventional cleaning products?

Yes, the study found that products labeled as “green” or eco-friendly emitted fewer VOCs compared to conventional products. Products that are both “green” and “fragrance-free” produced the fewest VOC emissions.

What are the implications for workers in the cleaning industry?

The study indicated that individuals working in the cleaning industry face a 50% higher risk of developing asthma and a 43% higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Women working in this sector also have an elevated risk of lung cancer.

How do these cleaning products affect children’s health?

Higher use of certain indoor cleaners during pregnancy and infancy is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma and wheezing during childhood, as indicated by existing research.

Are there environmental implications as well?

Yes, VOCs emitted by consumer cleaning products contribute to outdoor air pollution, adding to existing environmental concerns. A study from 2018 estimated that consumer products account for half of the VOCs responsible for air pollution.

What recommendations does the study offer for consumers?

The study suggests that opting for cleaning products that are labeled as “green” or “fragrance-free” could be a prudent choice for consumers concerned about indoor air quality and potential health risks.