A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group has revealed that nearly every cleaning product on the market releases hundreds of potentially toxic chemicals when used. The researchers tested 30 commonly used household products such as glass cleaners, stain removers, and air fresheners, and found that all but one released measurable levels of volatile compounds (VOCs).
VOCs are tiny toxins that have been linked to various health issues including cancers, asthma, and fertility problems when inhaled. Shockingly, ten of the tested products released levels of chemicals that exceeded European safety standards, and the VOCs lingered in the air for up to four hours.
Even products marketed as “green” and environmentally friendly were found to release hazardous levels of VOCs. This study serves as a wake-up call for consumers to be more aware of the risks associated with cleaning products.
The above shows the ten cleaning products that released the highest amount of VOCs, according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group
Out of the ten worst products, four were all-purpose cleaners, and five were a mixture of glass, floor, and carpet cleaners. One product was classified as an air freshener.
Dr Alexis Temkin, a senior toxicologist at the Environmental Working Group, emphasizes the need for consumers and regulators to be more aware of the potential risks associated with the chemicals present in cleaning products. She suggests choosing “green” and “fragrance-free” products to reduce exposure to hazardous VOCs.
The study, published in the journal Chemosphere, involved the purchase of the most popular cleaning products available online. The products were tested by spraying them onto a glass sheet inside a sealed chamber and then monitoring the air for VOCs over the next four hours.
A total of 530 VOCs were detected in all the products combined, with 193 of them considered hazardous according to Californian and European standards. Dr David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, highlights the lack of established safe exposure values for VOCs. He urges caution and recommends minimizing total VOC exposure.
The study also found that conventional cleaning products emitted the highest levels of VOCs, with HDX glass cleaner, Scott’s liquid gold wood care, and Lestoil heavy-duty multi-purpose cleaner being the worst offenders. Although green products emitted fewer VOCs, some still exceeded European measures of potential harm.
Only one cleaning product, Dr Bronner’s pure-castile soap, baby unscented, did not release any VOCs. The most harmful VOCs detected in the tested products included 2-butoxyethanol, isopropanol, and chloroform, which are commonly used to remove grease, kill microorganisms, and remove stains.
It is important to note that prolonged exposure to VOCs can cause damage to the lungs and have been linked to health issues such as asthma, skin irritation, and even cancer. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners has previously linked certain ingredients used in cleaning products to breast cancer.
Furthermore, studies have shown that cleaners, who are regularly exposed to these products, are more likely to develop asthma, and women in the cleaning industry have a higher risk of lung cancer. VOCs also contribute to outdoor air pollution, further damaging the environment.
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