Your favourite cleaning products ‘could release cancer-causing fumes’ – here’s what to avoid
YOUR favourite household cleaning products could release hundreds of hazardous chemicals when used, a new study warns.
Disinfectants, stain removers and air fresheners were all found to produce harmful fumes called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Breathing in these gases can cause eye, nose and throat irritation.
It can also result in respiratory problems, nausea, damage to the nervous system and other organs, and even cancer, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).
Researchers tested 30 different cleaning products, including some marketed as eco-friendly and without fragrance.
They were categorised as all-purpose, carpet, floor, glass, and wood cleaners, as well as laundry stain removers and air fresheners.
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Some were sprays and wipes, while others were foams and powders.
Most were available from national retailers in the US, such as Walmart, Home Depot and Amazon.
But many of the ingredients lists are comparable to products sold in the UK and other countries.
Scientists at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) discovered more than 530 VOCs were present across the range.
Of these, 193 are considered potentially dangerous to human health, according to California's Department of Toxic Substances Control or the European Chemical Agency.
They could cause health problems such as respiratory damage, increased cancer risk, developmental disruption and fertility issues, experts say.
The cleaning products with the most VOCs, which were emitted frequently and at the highest concentrations, were conventional ones.
The five with the highest hazard indices contained 2-butoxyethanol, isopropanol, toluene and chloroform.
The green products categorised as "fragrance free" also produced the fewest VOC emissions - nearly eight times less than conventional and four times fewer than green products that included fragrance on their label.
Dr Temkin said that pattern also held true for the number of VOCs considered hazardous in the products.
She said: "The green products emitted just four chemicals classified as hazardous, on average, compared to about 15 in green products with fragrance and 22 for conventional products.
"This suggests that choosing green, or green and fragrance free, cleaning products could be prudent for consumers concerned about indoor air quality and potential health risks."
Research shows people working in the cleaning industry have a 50 per cent higher risk of developing asthma and a 43 per cent higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while women working in this field also face an increased risk of lung cancer, the authors said.
Children's health may also be at risk as some studies have found that higher use of certain indoor cleaners during pregnancy and in infancy is associated with a greater risk of asthma and wheezing in childhood.
Samara Geller, EWG's senior director of cleaning science, said: "These cleaning products may hurt our health, but they may also harm the environment.
"The study's results carry implications not only for human health but also for environmental health.
"VOCs emitted by consumer products can contribute to outdoor air pollution, adding to existing environmental concerns.
"A study from 2018 estimated that half of the VOCs responsible for air pollution stem from consumer products."
She added: "Going green with your cleaning products is an easy way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
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"This may be especially important for women's and children's health."