2023-09-15 15:19:49
A study reviewed by scientists from the Environmental Working Group analyzed 30 Cleaning products, including glass and multi-purpose cleaners or air fresheners. The research, recently published in the journal Chemosphere, revealed that these everyday products can release hundreds of dangerous volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs.
The researchers tested both conventional products and ‘green’ cleaning products and detected a total of 530 unique VOCs in the 30 products. Of these, 193 were dangerous for its potential to cause health problems such as damage to the respiratory system, increased risk of cancer, and impacts on development and reproduction.
VOCs in cleaning products affect air quality both indoors and outdoors. But pollute indoor air two to five times more than outdoor air, and some estimates put it up to 10 times more. Some products emit VOCs for days, weeks or even months.
“This study is a wake-up call for consumers, researchers, and regulators to be more aware of the potential risks associated with the many chemicals entering indoor air,” said Dr. Alexis Temkin, senior toxicologist at EWG. “Our findings emphasize one way to reduce exposure to dangerous VOCs: selecting products that are ‘green,’ especially those that are ‘green’ and ‘fragrance-free’“, Add.
The study concluded that products labeled ‘green’ emitted fewer VOCs, compared to conventional products: about half, on average. Organic products categorized as ‘fragrance freeThey also produced the lowest amount of VOC emissions: almost eight times less than conventional products and four times less than organic products that included fragrances on their label.
That pattern also applies to the amount of VOCs considered hazardous in products. Green products emitted only four chemicals classified as hazardous, on average, compared to about 15 in fragranced green products and 22 in conventional products.
This suggests that choosing green, or eco-friendly and fragrance-free, cleaning products could be prudent for consumers concerned about indoor air quality and potential health risks.
Risk of asthma and COPD
Research shows that people who work in the cleaning industry have a 50 percent higher risk of developing asthma and a 43 percent higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Women who work in this field also face a higher risk of lung cancer.
Children’s health may also be at risk. Some studies show that greater use of certain indoor cleaners in utero and in infancy is associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma and wheezing.
“These cleaning products can harm our health, but they can also harm the environment,” says Samara Geller, senior director of cleaning sciences at EWG. The results of the study have implications not only for human health but also for environmental health. VOCs emitted from consumer products can contribute to outdoor air pollution, adding to existing environmental concerns. A 2018 study estimated that half of the VOCs responsible for air pollution come from consumer products.
“Going green with your cleaning products is an easy way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. This may be especially important for the health of women and children,” Geller concludes.
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