Cleaning Products Emit Chemicals That May Impact Health, Study Says

The products you use at home, even “green” ones, can affect your health, according to a new study conducted by a non-profit organization.

In a study reviewed by the Environmental Working Group and published in the journal Chemosphere, scientists found that everyday products can release hundreds of volatile organic compounds , or VOCs.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, VOCs are emitted by a wide range of thousands of products, including cleaning products, paints, building materials, furniture, and office equipment such as copiers and printers, as well as some products of beauty.

“VOCs contain a variety of chemicals, some of which can cause both short- and long-term adverse health effects,” the EPA website states.

Surprising Sources of Air Pollution in US VOCs:

In the EWG study, a total of 530 unique VOCs were detected in 30 cleaning products analyzed. These products have been divided into three categories: “normal” products, scented “green” products and unscented “green” products.

Among the 193 common VOCs that have been identified as hazardous to health based on the California Toxic Substances Control Candidate Chemicals List or the European Chemicals Agency Classification and Labeling List.

“Green” products still emit VOCs, but at lower levels than their “conventional” counterparts.

While the researchers did not mention specific brands, they described “green” products as “products advertised as healthy, non-toxic, or free of harmful chemicals, as well as third-party certified for safety or environmental properties.” “Classic” detergents are excluded from this category.

On average, the study found that unscented "green" products release four chemicals classified as hazardous, compared to about 15 for "green" scented products and 22 for "regular" detergents.

“This study is a wake-up call for consumers, researchers and regulators to be more aware of the potential risks associated with many chemicals that enter our indoor air,” said Alexis Temkin, EWG's chief toxicologist.

Temkin said he hopes the findings show "a way to reduce exposure by choosing green, especially 'green' and 'unscented' products."

The American Lung Association recommends increased ventilation when using products containing VOCs indoors.

In a statement to CBS News in response to the study, the American Cleaning Institute, a trade group, said the findings should be placed in the context of changes manufacturers are making to products.

“Indeed, in the state of California cited in the study, regulators have imposed limits on VOCs in most consumer products over the past three decades,” the statement reads. “The industry has worked for decades with governments and regulators to reduce VOC concentrations to levels that could be considered hazardous.”

The trade group also objected to the authors' arbitrary criteria for classifying products as "conventional" or "green." “Green is a marketing term, not a scientific term.”

“The correct use of cleaning products contributes to overall health and quality of life every day in homes, offices, schools, healthcare facilities, restaurants and our communities. Those who have faced the coronavirus pandemic can certainly recognize it."

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