Evidence
Health issue
Level of Concern
Source
Cationic surfactants
Very toxic to aquatic life
Very toxic to aquatic life
high
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Cationic surfactants
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
high
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Cationic surfactants
Asthmagen (sensitizing)
Asthmagen (sensitizing)
moderate
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC): AOEC Exposure Code List (2020 Update)
Cationic surfactants
Asthmagen (sensitizing)
Asthmagen (sensitizing)
moderate
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC): AOEC Exposure Code List (2020 Update)
Cationic surfactants
Harmful in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
Harmful in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
moderate
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Cationic surfactants
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Cationic surfactants
A peer-reviewed publication reports some quaternary ammonium compounds cause reproductive toxicity in animals.
A peer-reviewed publication reports some quaternary ammonium compounds cause reproductive toxicity in animals.
some
Vanessa E. Melin, Travis E. Melin, Brian J. Dessify, Christina T. Nguyen, Caroline S. Shea & Terry C. Hrubec. 2015. Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectants Cause Subfertility in Mice by Targeting both Male and Female Reproductive Processes. Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.).
Cationic surfactants
A peer-reviewed publication reports some quaternary ammonium compounds cause reproductive toxicity in animals.
A peer-reviewed publication reports some quaternary ammonium compounds cause reproductive toxicity in animals.
some
Vanessa E. Melin, Haritha Potineni, Patricia Hunt, Jodi Griswold, Bill Siems, Stephen R. Werre & Terry C. Hrubec. 2014. Exposure to common quaternary ammonium disinfectants decreases fertility in mice. Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) 50, 163-70.
Cationic surfactants
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Oven Cleaner; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Oven Cleaner; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Cationic surfactants
NTP Toxcast scored 2.5-3.5
NTP Toxcast scored 2.5-3.5
some
National Toxicology Program (NTP): EWG Toxcast Analysis
Cationic surfactants
Quaternary ammonium compounds detected in human blood was associated with increased inflammation, decreased mitochondrial function and disruption of cholesterol.
Quaternary ammonium compounds detected in human blood was associated with increased inflammation, decreased mitochondrial function and disruption of cholesterol.
some
Terry C. Hrubec, Ryan P. Seguin, Libin Xu, Gino A. Cortopassi, Sandipan Datta, Alexandra L. Hanlon, Alicia J. Lozano, Valerie A. McDonald, Claire A. Healy, Tyler C. Anderson, Najaha A. Musse & Richard T. Williams. 2021. Altered toxicological endpoints in humans from common quaternary ammonium compound disinfectant exposure. Toxicology reports 8, 646-656.
Cationic surfactants
This substance impacted cholesterol biosynthesis.
This substance impacted cholesterol biosynthesis.
some
Josi Herron, Rosalyn C. Reese, Keri A. Tallman, Rohini Narayanaswamy, Ned A. Porter & Libin Xu. 2016. Identification of Environmental Quaternary Ammonium Compounds as Direct Inhibitors of Cholesterol Biosynthesis. Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology 151(2), 261-70.
Cationic surfactants
Quaternary ammonium compounds altered neurodevelopment in cells.
Quaternary ammonium compounds altered neurodevelopment in cells.
some
Josi M. Herron, Hideaki Tomita, Collin C. White, Terrance J. Kavanagh & Libin Xu. 2021. Benzalkonium Chloride Disinfectants Induce Apoptosis, Inhibit Proliferation, and Activate the Integrated Stress Response in a 3-D in Vitro Model of Neurodevelopment. Chemical research in toxicology 34(5), 1265-1274.
