Human Study Finds Link Between Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Asthma, Dermatitis, and Inflammation
Post Date – 12:00 AM, Wednesday – 5/10/23
Photo: IANS
New York: More than two dozen scientists have warned that the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the unnecessary use of antimicrobial chemicals linked to health problems, antimicrobial resistance and environmental hazards.
A major review published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Science & Technology details how quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are increasingly sold and used in the home, healthcare, education and workplaces despite the availability of safer Alternatives have, in some cases, limited evidence of reduced disease transmission.
“Disinfectant wipes containing QAC are frequently used on children’s desks, hospital exam tables, and in the home, where they stay on those surfaces and in the air,” said co-author and assistant professor Courtney Carignan of Michigan State University.
“Our review of the science shows that in many cases the use of these chemicals for disinfection is not beneficial or even harmful. We recommend regular cleaning with soap and water and disinfection with safer products only when needed. “
Human studies have found associations between QAC and asthma, dermatitis and inflammation. Laboratory animal studies have also raised concerns about potential links to infertility, birth defects and more.
In addition, there was evidence as far back as the 1950s that QACs contribute to antimicrobial resistance, rendering certain bacterial species resistant to QACs themselves and key antibiotics.
“The irony is that the chemicals we are deploying in vain for one health crisis are actually fueling another,” said Northwestern professor and co-author Erica Hartman. “Before the pandemic, antibiotic resistance was already killing millions of people every year. Over-sterilization, especially of products containing QACs, could make things worse.”
QACs are increasingly used in disinfectant solutions, wipes, hand sanitizers, sprays and sprays, and are also used in personal care products, textiles, paints, medical devices and more.
Since the pandemic, levels of these chemicals have increased both in the environment and in our bodies.
One of the most common QACs is benzalkonium chloride, but other ingredients have label names ending in “ammonium chloride” or something similar.
However, QAC disclosures and oversight vary widely. For example, pesticide labels are required to list QACs, but paint labels are not. Most QACs are not regulated at all and do not conduct comprehensive screening for health hazards.
The scientists recommend stopping the use of QACs that are unnecessary or have not been proven effective. For example, sanitizing with QAC usually does not have the benefit of cleaning with plain soap and water.
Other recommendations include requiring full disclosure of QACs in all products and close monitoring of levels in humans and the environment.
