Common ingredients in disinfectant wipes are linked to health damage and may contribute to … [+]
Although already popular, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for disinfectant wipes. Masking and vaccinations were controversial along political fault lines, but the public was united in its embrace of tissues. Americans diligently swept ceilings, doorknobs, and even groceries.
While other pandemic precautions faded, the disinfection frenzy continues. The American Cleaning Institute—the trade group representing sanitizer manufacturers—proudly declared that “Americans are still wild about wipes.” In North America alone, the disinfectant wipes market grew to USD 3.72 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 5.64 billion by 2031.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who conscientiously use tissues, you probably haven’t heard the warnings from scientists. Here’s what you need to know.
Common ingredients are linked to health damage
Disinfecting wipes from popular brands often contain antimicrobial chemicals called quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). According to a peer-reviewed paper I co-authored with 21 other scientists from 14 universities, four government agencies and three NGOs, these chemicals may do more harm than good. We found that they are associated with reproductive, developmental, respiratory and skin impairments. A more recent study from Case Western Reserve University found a link to neurological damage. Further, these chemicals can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making certain bacteria resistant to both the antimicrobials themselves and critical antibiotics.
Even if you don’t use QACs yourself, you are still likely to be exposed as they are used in public spaces, including shops, gyms, offices and schools. Residential, commercial, and industrial uses of QACs release them into wastewater, which results in QACs in sewage sludge as well as water and sediments downstream of wastewater treatment plants. It is no wonder that QAC levels in the environment and in our bodies have increased.
Disinfectant wipes are usually unnecessary
According to the CDC, cleaning surfaces with plain soap and water gets rid of most germs, including SARS-CoV-2. The agency does not recommend disinfection for everyday purposes. What is 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. Disinfection refers to the process of killing germs, wiping out both good and bad germs. Even in healthcare and other scenarios that would benefit from disinfection, the best alternatives to QAC include hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, and alcohol-based cleaning products.
What can you do
Clean surfaces with plain soap and water. Simply mix warm water with non-bacterial liquid soap (CDC recommends one teaspoon of soap per quart of water) and apply the solution to the desired area using a cloth or sponge and gently wipe to remove contaminants. Rinse the surface with clean water to remove any soap residue and dry with a clean towel. If you still want to use wipes, it’s best to use wipes without QAC or other antimicrobials. Most happy and happy birthday QACs found on ingredient labels can be identified by names ending in “ammonium chloride” or similar.
It’s time to turn the page on disinfectant mania. By embracing 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.
