The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a widespread obsession with disinfectant wipes, but experts warn that these chemicals can pose serious health risks. From reproductive harm to antimicrobial resistance, the dangers of QACs outweigh any perceived benefits.
According to the CDC, cleaning surfaces with plain soap and water gets rid of most germs, including SARS-CoV-2. Though already popular, the COVID-19 pandemic skyrocketed the demand for disinfectant wipes. Masking and vaccines were contentious along political fault lines, but the public was united in its embrace of wipes. Americans zealously wiped countertops, door knobs, and even groceries. While other pandemic precautions waned, the disinfecting frenzy continues.
The American Cleaning Institute–the trade group representing disinfectant manufacturers–proudly wrote along with 21 other scientists from 14 universities, four government agencies, and three NGOs, these chemicals can do more harm than good. We found that they are linked to reproductive, developmental, respiratory, and skin harms. A more recent study from Case Western Reserve University found a link to damage. Further, these chemicals can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making certain bacteria resistant both to the antimicrobials themselves and also to critical antibiotics. Even if you don’t use QACs yourself, you are likely still exposed as they are used in public spaces including stores, gyms, offices, and schools. Residential, commercial, and industrial uses of QACs in wastewater, which results in QACs in sewage sludge as well as water and sediments downstream of wastewater treatment plants. It’s no wonder that the levels of. The agency does not recommend disinfecting for everyday purposes. What’s the difference between cleaning and disinfecting? Cleaning refers to the process of removing dirt, grime, and other debris along with germs from surfaces, and can be accomplished with plain soap and water. In other words, soap works by removing rather than killing germs. Disinfecting refers to the process of killing germs, wiping out both good and bad microbes. Even in healthcare and other scenarios that would benefit from disinfecting, clean surfaces with plain soap and water. Simply mix warm water with liquid non-antibacterial soap (the CDC recommends one teaspoon of soap per liter of water) and apply the solution to the desired area using a cloth or sponge, and scrub gently to lift contaminants. Rinse the surface with clean water to remove any soap residue and dry it with a clean towel. If you still want to use wipes, best to use wipes without QACs or other antimicrobials. Most happy, happy birthday QACs found on ingredient labels can be identified with names that end in “ammonium chloride” or similar. It’s time to turn the page on the disinfectant craze. By embracing age-old, tried-and-true cleaning methods like soap and water, we can reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals, protect our environment, and contribute to a healthier future for generations to come. Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space. Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk Protect your community
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE DISINFECTANTS CHEMICALS HEALTH RISKS Qacs
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