Cleaning Supplies and Your Health

From over 2,000 cleaning products available in the U.S. market, many contain substances associated with significant health risks. Their findings include the following:

• Fumes from certain cleaning products can trigger asthma in healthy individuals. Extensive evidence links the frequent use of common cleaning products at home or work to the development of asthma and other respiratory issues. It is also well-documented that fumes from these products can provoke asthma attacks in those already diagnosed with the condition.
• Some cleaning products contain the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-dioxane, which has been revealed in numerous well-known brands through independent testing. Additionally, certain products include preservatives that release low levels of formaldehyde, a substance linked to cancer.
• A 2010 study by the New York State Department of Health found that children born to women who worked in cleaning roles during pregnancy face a higher risk of birth defects.
• Certain cleaning products can cause chemical burns, poisoning, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. Such severe reactions highlight the need for caution when using these items.

Despite these risks, product labels often fail to provide sufficient details about ingredients, making it difficult for consumers to choose safer options. Moreover, many cleaning product ingredients remain poorly evaluated by government agencies and research institutions. While significant attention has been given to chemicals suspected of causing cancer, far less has been dedicated to studying substances potentially harmful to the brain, nervous system, hormonal balance, and other organs. Comprehensive research into the long-term health and environmental effects of cleaning products should be treated as a priority. However, these issues largely remain hidden from public awareness.

The lack of adequate evaluation of the long-term health impacts of chronic exposure to these chemicals is primarily due to the absence of federal regulations requiring thorough safety tests and setting legal limits on toxic ingredients and contaminants. While the Consumer Product Safety Commission oversees dangerous cleaning products, its focus has been more on accident prevention, such as child-safe packaging, rather than addressing chemical safety.

Asthma: A Too Common Epidemic

During an asthma attack, the smooth muscles surrounding the airways in the lungs become inflamed, swollen, and constricted. This restricts airflow, leading to symptoms like chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Various factors can trigger an asthma attack, including exposure to irritants, allergens, stress, or physical activity.

Asthma, a chronic condition, has become more prevalent in recent decades, though the reasons for this rise remain unclear. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that asthma prevalence in the United States increased from 7.3% to 8.4% between 2001 and 2010, with children showing even higher rates.

Experts believe asthma arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many health organizations and government agencies have been studying the link between asthma and exposure to certain chemicals, often in workplace environments. Authorities like the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC) have compiled lists of chemicals, known as asthmagens, that are associated with the onset of asthma.

An analysis of more than 2,000 cleaning products revealed that 438 of them contain at least one chemical identified by the AOEC as an asthmagen.

Cleaning Products and Asthma

Individuals with asthma can be highly sensitive to airborne pollutants, including those found in everyday cleaning products. A 2009 study led by Jonathan Bernstein, a researcher at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, observed worsening asthma symptoms in women after completing household cleaning tasks.

Evidence also suggests that cleaning products may contribute to the development of asthma in previously healthy individuals. A study conducted in 10 countries, involving over 3,500 participants who initially did not have asthma, revealed that after nine years, those who used spray cleaners at least once a week had a 30–50% higher risk of developing asthma. This increased risk was primarily linked to commonly used spray products like air fresheners, glass cleaners, and furniture sprays. The likelihood of developing asthma grew with more frequent use or exposure to a variety of sprays. The study estimated that one in seven adult asthma cases could be attributed to the use of spray cleaning products.

There is also preliminary evidence suggesting that prenatal exposure to cleaning products may impact respiratory health. Research conducted by scientists at three British universities found that children born to mothers who frequently used household cleaning supplies during pregnancy were more likely to experience persistent wheezing and reduced lung function. These respiratory issues persisted for at least eight years and were independent of other indoor air pollutants or potential influencing factors.

Asthmagens or Respiratory Irritants

Asthmagens: Substances That Can Trigger or Aggravate Asthma

• 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol
• Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride
• Alkyl Dimethyl Ethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride
• Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride
• Diethanolamine
• Dioctyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride
• Distearyldimonium Chloride
• DMDM Hydantoin*
• Ethanolamine
• Formaldehyde
• Glutaral
• Monoethanolamine Citrate
• Quaternium-15
• Quaternium-24
• Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
• Sulfuric Acid
• Triethanolamine

*Note: While these ingredients are not asthmagens on their own, they release formaldehyde, which is a known asthmagen.

Worker studies highlight asthma risk

Extensive research has revealed strong connections between occupational exposure to cleaning products and the onset of asthma in individuals with no prior history of the condition. Workers such as custodians, teachers, and healthcare professionals, who are frequently in contact with cleaning supplies, are particularly vulnerable to work-related asthma. Many people recently diagnosed with asthma have identified specific cleaning chemicals or products as the trigger for their condition. New cases of asthma have been linked to the use of or exposure to spray cleaners, bleach sprays, disinfectants, air fresheners, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, furniture polish, carpet cleaners, and products used for floor waxing and stripping.

A 2003 study conducted by Kenneth D. Rosenman, a medicine professor at Michigan State University, found that 12% of work-related asthma cases in four states were linked to cleaning products. Among those cases, 80% of workers had no prior asthma history, and 22% of the affected individuals worked as custodians. Additionally, seven out of nine major epidemiological studies across multiple countries showed a heightened risk of asthma among cleaners, with rates of asthma and respiratory symptoms 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than those observed in the general population.

Chemicals can cause or worsen asthma

Certain ingredients commonly found in cleaning products are classified as asthmagens, substances that can trigger asthma in previously healthy individuals. A 2009 evaluation of 21 commonly used school cleaning products revealed that six of them released at least one of three common asthmagens – formaldehyde, methyl methacrylate, and styrene – into the air when used as directed.

Various industrial chemicals present in cleaning supplies are known to cause asthma. The most concerning include:

• Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats): These are often added to antibacterial cleaners and disinfectant air fresheners for their germ-killing properties and are also used in fabric softeners.
• Ethanolamines (mono-, di-, and triethanolamine): Commonly used to regulate acidity (pH) and as detergents in different types of cleaning products.
• Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) and ammonia (ammonium hydroxide): Among the most well-known cleaning agents worldwide.

Harsh acidic (low pH) or basic (high pH) cleaners can exacerbate asthma symptoms due to their lung-irritating properties. Additionally, if bleach is mixed with acidic or ammonia-based cleaners, it can produce high levels of chlorine gas, which has been linked to asthma development after a single intense exposure. Quats, bleach, and ammonia may also lead to asthma through allergic reactions that develop gradually after prolonged exposure to lower concentrations of these substances.

Improper use or prolonged exposure to these chemicals poses significant risks, particularly for those with respiratory sensitivities, emphasizing the need for cautious handling.

Impurities and chemical reactions

Many components in cleaning products can evaporate into the air, and some may react with airborne pollutants to create new, asthma-triggering chemicals. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been detected indoors at concentrations up to 100 times higher than outdoor levels and can surpass industrial safety standards.

Reactions involving VOCs can generate ozone, a strong irritant for the lungs. Prolonged exposure to ozone during childhood can lead to permanent lung damage. Although there is limited evidence directly linking ozone to asthma development, this topic requires further investigation.

Cleaners made with pine or citrus oils contain terpenes, a type of VOC that can indirectly heighten asthma risks. Terpenes, also present in air fresheners and other fragranced cleaners with essential oils, react with ozone to produce formaldehyde, a recognized asthmagen and a known human carcinogen.

The California Air Resources Board advises against using citrus and pine oil cleaners, especially during warm, high-ozone, and smoggy days. VOCs that form ozone and terpenes from pine and citrus oils can collectively contribute to increased formaldehyde pollution. While the combined effects of these chemicals from cleaning products on indoor air quality have not been thoroughly studied, they raise significant concerns.

Childhood asthma is at an all-time high

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a sharp rise in childhood asthma across the United States over recent decades. Currently, nearly 1 in 10 children in the U.S., or 9.3% of those under 18, live with asthma. This marks a significant increase compared to 7.5% in 1996 and just 3.6% in 1980. Asthma is particularly prevalent in African-American, Latino, and low-income communities.

The number of individuals hospitalized for asthma has also reached historic highs, reflecting the broader rise in asthma cases. The economic burden is substantial, with direct medical costs for asthma in children and adults estimated at $37 billion nationwide in 2007.

Reducing exposure to cleaning products that release asthmagens and lung irritants during pregnancy and childhood could be a crucial step toward fostering better respiratory health and a healthier future for the next generation.

Cleaners and Cancer

An investigation into product ingredients revealed that numerous cleaning products may contain known, probable, or possible carcinogens, including:

• Formaldehyde (also referred to as formalin): Recognized as a known human carcinogen by both the U.S. government and the World Health Organization, formaldehyde appears on labels or safety documents for dozens of cleaning products. In some cases, formaldehyde is not directly added but is released by preservatives such as bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol), which are included to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life. Tests on cleaning products used in California schools found formaldehyde in brands like Comet, Pine-Sol, and Simple Green. Additionally, mixing citrus- and pine-based ingredients with ozone inside homes can create formaldehyde vapors, particularly on days with high smog levels.
• 1,4-Dioxane: The EPA has labeled this chemical a probable human carcinogen. It has been detected in several well-known liquid laundry detergents. It is not intentionally added but forms as a byproduct during the production of synthetic ingredients like PEG and polyethylene compounds. Studies in animals have linked 1,4-dioxane to higher rates of liver tumors, although research on occupational exposure has been inconclusive.

The potential cancer risks associated with cleaning products containing these chemicals are not well-documented. One study by the Silent Spring Institute involving 1,500 women in Massachusetts, half of whom had been diagnosed with breast cancer, suggested a possible link between heavy use of household cleaners and an increased risk of cancer. Women in the top 25% of cleaning product usage were found to be twice as likely to have breast cancer compared to those in the bottom 25%. Increased risk was also linked to frequent use of air fresheners, particularly solid ones, as well as mold and mildew cleaners. However, the study’s authors noted that these findings were not definitive, as participants’ responses could have been influenced by personal beliefs about the role of chemicals in illness development.

Further investigation is essential to explore the potential connections between chemicals in cleaning products and cancer. While it is evident that many commonly used cleaners contain carcinogenic substances or impurities, the extent to which these exposures contribute to cancer risk remains unclear.

Cleaners and Reproductive or Developmental Problems

A survey of cleaning product ingredients disclosed by manufacturers identified several chemicals known or suspected to cause reproductive or developmental toxicity. These include:

• Borax and Boric Acid: Frequently used in laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, and homemade cleaning solutions, these compounds stabilize enzymes during the cleaning process. Sodium perborate, an oxygen bleach found in some cleaning products, releases sodium borate during use. The European Union has classified these chemicals as toxic to human reproductive systems. Studies show that men working in boric acid factories face a higher risk of reduced sperm count and libido, while chronic high-dose exposure in male animals leads to testicular atrophy. In females, high doses have been linked to decreased ovulation and fertility. Animal studies also suggest that these substances can cross the placenta, affecting fetal skeletal development and birth weight. However, comprehensive risk assessments examining exposure from cleaning supplies in conjunction with other sources like pesticides, personal care items, food, and water remain incomplete.
• Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (DEGME or Methoxydiglycol): This solvent is used in heavy-duty cleaners and degreasers. The European Union has flagged it as potentially harmful to fertility and fetal development, leading to its ban in cleaners. Other glycol ethers have been linked to impaired fertility and developmental toxicity in animal studies, with some listed under California's Proposition 65 as male developmental toxins. Occupational studies indicate that men exposed to glycol ethers are more likely to experience reduced sperm counts, while pregnant women exposed to these chemicals face a higher likelihood of giving birth to children with congenital defects. DEGME is easily absorbed through the skin or inhaled, which can lead to toxic accumulation in the body.

A 2010 study by the New York State Department of Health found that children born to women employed as custodians had a significantly increased risk of certain congenital deformities. Other research on occupational exposure to organic solvents has highlighted risks such as reduced IQ, language impairments, and vision abnormalities in children born to women exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy. The lack of research into the reproductive and developmental risks of cleaning products poses a significant gap in understanding the long-term impacts of these common household items.

Cleaners are Loaded with Allergens and Irritants

Ordinary cleaning products can lead to allergic reactions in some individuals, affecting the skin, eyes, and lungs. In severe cases, these reactions may require hospitalization. Certain chemicals in these products can directly trigger allergies, while others combine with proteins to form compounds called "haptens," which can provoke allergic responses. Linalool, a common component in fragrances and essential oils, is one such hapten-forming chemical. These reactions can either appear after only a few exposures or develop gradually over prolonged contact with lower levels of allergens.

Harsh chemical cleaners are also known to cause irritation in sensitive areas, including the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. The very properties that make these products effective in cleaning can also result in inflammation of delicate tissues.

A study examining household cleaning supplies in Italy found that many commonly used ingredients, such as preservatives, fragrances, solvents, and surfactants, are potential skin irritants or allergens. Additionally, some respiratory irritants in these products can worsen asthma or even contribute to its onset.

Repeated exposure to chlorine bleach is associated with respiratory damage, wheezing, and irritation of the eyes and nose. Bleach fumes contain a complex mix of harmful gases, including chlorine, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride. Research has shown that domestic workers who frequently use bleach are at greater risk of developing obstructive lung disease. Bleach sprays are particularly concerning as they are more likely to irritate the respiratory system and have been linked to work-related asthma.

Bleach's risks are not limited to professional cleaners. A 2009 international study spanning 13 countries revealed that individuals who used bleach at home four or more times a week were more likely to experience lower respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath compared to non-bleach users.

A separate 2009 assessment by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health involving 49 custodial workers found that many reported symptoms like sore throat, eye irritation, rashes, and headaches, which they linked to specific cleaning products.

Research from the Technical University of Dresden reported that 19% of female cleaning workers developed skin allergies, such as atopic dermatitis, while nearly one-third experienced contact dermatitis, characterized by red, inflamed, and itchy skin.

Exposure to irritating or allergenic ingredients in cleaning products can affect not only those using them but also individuals in the vicinity. Volatile fumes released during cleaning can linger in the air for up to 20 minutes after use. Ammonia fumes from ammonium-based cleaners are particularly irritating, while glycol ether fumes have been associated with a higher risk of asthma, eczema, rhinitis (nasal irritation), and other allergic symptoms in young children.

Mystery fragrance chemicals are a major allergy problem

Certain respiratory allergies can be triggered by fragrances, which are complex chemical blends commonly used in air fresheners, cleaners, personal care products, and other consumer items.

Fragrances rank among the top five allergens globally. They have also been identified as triggers for asthma attacks. A survey conducted by researchers at the Universities of Washington and West Georgia revealed that nearly 20% of Americans experienced headaches, breathing difficulties, or other adverse effects when exposed to fragranced cleaning products. Additionally, a study by Alexandra Farrow at Brunel University in the UK linked air fresheners in homes to higher rates of diarrhea and earaches in infants, as well as headaches and depression in their mothers. Another Swiss study associated the frequent use of air freshening sprays (4–7 days per week) with reduced heart rate variability, an indicator of autonomic cardiac dysfunction. The challenge in identifying which fragrance chemicals are most problematic lies in manufacturers’ reluctance to disclose specific fragrance ingredients, making targeted research difficult for independent scientists.

Enzymes used in laundry and dishwashing detergents to break down stains and soils have also been associated with respiratory allergies, particularly in workplace environments. Although manufacturers have attempted to reduce exposure by encapsulating these enzymes, studies indicate that issues persist. Research from the Netherlands Expertise Centre for Occupational Respiratory Disorders and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health found that workers involved in detergent production faced an increased risk of respiratory allergies and sensitization. Those with higher exposure to detergent enzymes reported symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose, rhinitis, and wheezing. Industry-funded studies, however, suggest that everyday use of household cleaners containing enzymes poses no significant risk to consumers.

Cleaning Supply Accidents: Chemical Burns and Poisonings

Many household cleaning products can cause serious harm if ingested or if they come into direct contact with the skin or eyes. Despite general awareness of their acute toxicity, data from hospital visits and poison control centers show that accidents involving cleaning products happen daily.

Chemical burns from caustic cleaners

Cleaning products that are highly acidic, alkaline, or contain corrosive substances can result in painful burns to the skin and eyes, causing permanent damage or scarring. Inhaling the fumes from these products can also harm the respiratory system. Cleaning professionals are particularly at risk of suffering serious chemical injuries while on the job.

A 1999 study revealed that annually, six out of every 100 building custodians in Santa Clara County, California, experienced chemical-related injuries, with 20% of those injuries being severe burns to the eyes or skin. Additionally, a review of hospital burn unit records over 19 years found that 14% of patients with chemical burns were injured at home using common household cleaning products.

One of the most immediate risks comes from the harmful gases produced when reactive cleaning products are mixed. Bleach-based products are especially hazardous. When mixed with ammonia-based cleaners, they create chloramine gas, and when combined with acidic cleaners like toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, or vinegar, they form chlorine gas.

Poison under the sink

In 2010, poison control centers in the United States received over 116,000 calls regarding household cleaner accidents involving children under five years old. Emergency room data from 2006 shows that 10,318 children in this age group required medical treatment due to poisoning from cleaning products. Among these cases, 744 involved life-threatening symptoms or significant disability.

Bleach was the leading cause of poisoning and injuries, with spray bottles being the most common source of exposure, accounting for 40% of incidents. Brightly colored packaging on spray cleaners often attracts curious young children, and parents may fail to secure spray nozzles properly, leaving them accessible.

These injuries are both devastating and preventable. Safer cleaning products are available on the market that significantly reduce the risk of causing lasting harm, particularly to young children. Proper storage and careful use of cleaning supplies can further minimize these dangers.