Research Reveals Potential Health Impact of Common Household Cleaning Products

Recent research conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit advocacy organization, has shed light on the potential health effects of household cleaning products, including those often labeled as “green” or environmentally friendly. This peer-reviewed study, published in the journal Chemosphere, highlights the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from everyday cleaning products and the implications for human health.

VOCs, which are emitted by a wide range of products, have been a subject of concern due to their potential health risks. These compounds are found in cleaners, paints, building materials, furnishings, office equipment like copiers and printers, and certain cosmetics. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that VOCs encompass various chemicals, some of which may have both short-term and long-term adverse effects on health.

The EWG’s study analyzed 30 cleaning products and identified a total of 530 unique VOCs within them. These products were categorized into three groups: “conventional” products, “green” products with fragrance, and “green” fragrance-free products. Among the detected VOCs, 193 were classified as hazardous to health based on either the California Department of Toxic Substances Control Candidate Chemicals List or the European Chemical Agency’s Classification and Labeling Inventory.

Notably, even the “green” products, advertised as healthier, non-toxic, or free from harmful chemicals, emitted VOCs. However, the levels were lower compared to their “conventional” counterparts. The study did not disclose specific brand names but explained that “conventional” cleaners were those that did not fall into the “green” and environmentally friendly category.

On average, fragrance-free “green” products emitted only four hazardous chemicals, in contrast to about 15 in “green” products with fragrance and 22 in “conventional” cleaning products. This study serves as a call to action for consumers, researchers, and regulators to be more conscious of the potential risks associated with the multitude of chemicals present in indoor air.

Alexis Temkin, a senior toxicologist at EWG, emphasized the importance of selecting products that are both “green” and “fragrance-free” to reduce exposure to VOCs. The American Lung Association also advises improving indoor ventilation when using products containing VOCs.

In response to the study, the American Cleaning Institute, a trade group, emphasized that regulatory changes have been made in cleaning products, particularly in California, where limitations on VOCs have been in place for several decades. The trade group highlighted that industry collaboration with government and regulators has been ongoing to minimize VOC concentrations and ensure the safety of these products.

Additionally, the trade group raised concerns about the study’s criteria for labeling products as “conventional” or “green,” stating that “green” is a marketing term rather than a scientific one. They underscored the essential role of cleaning products in maintaining public health and quality of life, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This research underscores the importance of being informed consumers and understanding the potential health impact of household cleaning products, even those marketed as environmentally friendly.