HWN Suggests

You Don’t Need to Disinfect So Much

The cleaning industry experienced a boom during the first years of the pandemic. Covid-19 cleaning protocols in schools, stores and other public spaces ratcheted up, with a spray and a wipe-down becoming de rigueur on every surface after every use. Fear of the coronavirus also prompted people to use more disinfectant wipes and sprays in their homes, and consumer spending on cleaning products increased 12 percent between 2019 and 2021. (The New York Times admittedly contributed to this disinfecting frenzy.)

We now know that the extra cleaning was unlikely to have helped limit the spread of Covid-19, but it did increase people’s exposure to the chemicals used in those products — some…

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 Disinfectants and cleaning products harboring toxic chemicals are widely used despite lack of screening for potential health hazards

Concerns about unnecessary use of a common class of antimicrobial chemicals used in disinfectants reinforces recommendations to opt for soap and water or safer products, my colleagues and I determined in our recent critical review of the scientific literature. Quaternary ammonium compounds, or QACs, are increasingly marketed and used in homes, schools and workplaces with limited evidence for their appropriateness or safety. These chemicals can be found in common disinfectant solutions, wipes, hand sanitizers, sprays and even foggers.

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Some disinfectants appropriate for lab use include: household bleach (5-10% solution), quaternary ammonium compounds, and phenolic compounds.

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Knowing when to clean, sanitize, and disinfect surfaces in your home is key to preventing the spread of disease. Always follow the directions on product labels to ensure safe and effective use.

Health problems and disinfectant product exposure among staff at a large multispecialty hospital

Some infection control practices that require the use of products containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and acetic acid may result in adverse health effects in exposed workers. HAIs remain a significant threat to patient safety, and environmental cleaning and disinfection is a key aspect in a comprehensive HAI prevention plan.

History and Evolution of Surface Disinfectants

The history of surface cleaning and disinfection is a fascinating story that dates back thousands of years ago, when Egyptians used wine or vinegar to clean. Centuries passed and various chemicals have been used for cleaning. For instance, in The Odyssey, Homer wrote that the protagonist, after defeating his rival, demanded that Sulphur be burned in the house to detoxify and purify the space

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It depends on how much time you have.

Scientists warn of disinfectant dangers: Study

Disinfectants have had a moment since the COVID-19 pandemic began — and scientists are warning that this widespread use is spurring health problems, antimicrobial resistance and harming the environment.

The Long-Term Effects of Disinfectants on Surfaces & Health

What you should know, and how to combat them.

What Are the Health Risks of Disinfectants?

On product labels, look for bleach or for quaternary ammonium compounds, known as quats. Both bleach and quats are considered safe if used as directed. But if inhaled, they may cause irritation in some people, at times resulting in sneezing, coughing or shortness of breath. In some cases, users may develop a sensitivity to the chemicals over time, says Karin Pacheco an allergist at National Jewish Health in Denver.