Inhaling particles from common cleaning products can cause serious lung damage – even more severe than accidentally swallowing them, according to a new study.
An ingredient used in hundreds of disinfectant sprays, known as quaternary ammonium (QAC), has been linked to a number of lung problems. The chemical has been in use since the 1940s and has long been known to be toxic if swallowed. However, researchers now believe the greatest risk comes from inhaling it.
Scientists at the University of California at Davis tested the effects of airborne particles by exposing mice to levels similar to what a human inhales when using disinfectant sprays at home.
The results showed that, when inhaled, this substance causes much greater damage to the lungs than when taken orally. According to the study's lead author, Dr. Gino Cortopassi, lung damage and risk of death were up to 100 times higher in cases of inhalation compared to ingestion.
This has raised serious concerns about the widespread use of these products in everyday environments.
Previous studies have shown that about 80% of people have traces of this chemical in their blood. It is believed that QAC affects the way the body's cells produce energy.
A 2021 study found that people with the highest levels of this compound in their blood also had lower energy levels in mitochondria – the part of the cell responsible for energy production.
This is associated with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty concentrating.
In addition, exposure to QAC has also been linked to skin and eye irritation, inflammation, metabolic disorders, and lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Experts suggest caution in using such products, especially indoors, and recommend good ventilation during cleaning to reduce exposure to harmful particles. /GazetaExpress/
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