(a) Estimated total monoterpene emission rates per product, as determined from SIFT-MS measurements (green edge bars = green cleaners, blue edge bar = regular cleaners). (b) Relative abundance (%) of monoterpenes determined from GC-MS analysis used to specify total monoterpene emission rates. (c) The sum of monoterpene emission rates proportioned to the monoterpene O 3 rate coefficient per product. (d) The relative abundance (%) of monoterpenes, adapted to their respective O 3 rate coefficients. Credit: Environmental sciences: processes and impacts (2024). DOI: 10.1039/D3EM00439B
Many cleaning products labeled “green” emit just as many harmful chemicals as regular products, new research has found.
Researchers say there needs to be better regulation and more information for consumers about how safe cleaning products really are. The study, published in the journal Environmental sciences: process and impactfound that scented cleaning products can be potentially harmful to indoor air quality.
Cleaning products emit a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which are hazardous or can undergo chemical transformation to generate harmful secondary pollutants. In recent years, “green” cleaners have become increasingly popular, with the implicit assumption that they are better for our health and the environment. However, research from the University of York found this was not the case.
As part of the study, the VOC composition of 10 regular cleaners and 13 green cleaners was examined by the researchers. Green cleaners generally emitted more monoterpenes than regular cleaners, increasing concentrations of harmful secondary pollutants after use, such as formaldehyde and peroxyacyl nitrates.
The study found that the fragrance ingredients in these products were originally volatile monoterpenes. As levels of these types of pollutants increase in the home, sensitive people may develop breathing problems or irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, or skin. Repeated exposure to high concentrations of formaldehyde can eventually lead to cancer in some cases.
Misleading consumers
Ellen Harding-Smith, environmental chemistry researcher at the Department of the Environment and Geography, said: “Our research has found that there is no strong evidence to suggest that clean green products are better for water quality. indoor air than ordinary products. »
“In fact, there was very little difference. Many consumers are misled by the marketing of these products, which could harm the air quality in their homes, potentially putting their health at risk. However of products on supermarket shelves, green does not mean clean.”
She added: “The study highlights potential compositional differences in regular and green cleaner formulations, for which there is currently very little information in the available literature.
“Manufacturers really need to be much clearer about what is in these products and clearly explain how to mitigate their harm. For example, simply improving ventilation and opening windows when using these cleaning products significantly improves air quality at home.”
More information:
Ellen Harding-Smith et al, Does Green Mean Clean? Volatile organic emissions from regular cleaning products compared to green cleaning products, Environmental sciences: processes and impacts (2024). DOI: 10.1039/D3EM00439B
Provided by the University of York
Quote: Green doesn’t always mean clean: Cleaning products urgently need better regulation, researchers warn (February 7, 2024) retrieved February 8, 2024 from
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