Common Cleaners Emitting VOCs and Chemicals.

Many common household cleaners, including spray cleaners and multi-surface wipes, have been shown to emit Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, which are known to cause irritation to the skin and eyes and in the long term, can increase the likeliness of cancer and other ailments. VOC’s should especially be avoided by individuals with lung sensitivities and or pre-existing conditions such as asthma. These mass market cleaners often contain specific chemicals such as ammonia; these cleaners can prove difficult to avoid however as there are no US regulations dictating the listing of cleaner ingredients. 

A report at priceonomics.com regarding the off-gassing of certain cleaners provides an insight into not only the environmental damage, but personal damage that can be caused by household cleaners emitting VOC’s. The findings of the study show the rate of VOCs emitted by various types and brands of cleaning products available. Air fresheners and various hand and multi-surface cleaning wipes emitted the most VOCs; Wet Ones wipes, the most extreme example, released 1,273.3 milligrams of these compounds, while the average 300 square foot room has only 680 milligrams. Overall, plug-in air fresheners and body wash emitted the least of Volatile Organic Compounds.

Eliminating these forms of products is impossible for most consumers, however there are many products that avoid use of these chemicals that can be found on the market; the EPA provides a “Safe Choice“ designation ( with an internet link provided below ) that lists various household cleaners that emit low volumes of VOC. The other alternative is to use the various homemade mixed cleaner recipes available from specialized companies and environmental websites, typically based on common disinfectants such as vinegar and concentrated acids ( lemon for example ); another advantage of these easy to make but often more effective homemade cleaners is that plastic packaging and the environmental effects of shipping can be completely avoided.

https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice

https://priceonomics.com/which-cleaning-products-pollute-your-home-the-most/

https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs

https://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/indoor/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem.html

NOTE; 

A review of common homemade cleaners in comparison with other options is coming soon.