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QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS

Products with this unspecific ingredient may be composed of any the specific substances listed below. The evidence shown is based on the most concerning group member.
Asthma/Respiratory
 
Moderate Concern
 
Skin Allergies &
Irritation
 
High Concern
 
Developmental &
Reproductive Toxicity
 
Moderate Concern
 
Cancer
 
No Data, Some Concern
 
Environment
 
No Data, Some Concern
 
Top scoring factors: Evidence of skin irritation/allergies/damage; acute aquatic toxicity; respiratory effects
This unspecific ingredient, Quaternary ammonium compounds, can be found in 25 products.
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Evidence

Health issue
 
Level of Concern
 
Source
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Very toxic to aquatic life
 
high
 
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Quaternary ammonium compounds
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
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Asthmagen (sensitizing)
 
moderate
 
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC): AOEC Exposure Code List (2020 Update)
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Asthmagen (sensitizing)
 
moderate
 
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC): AOEC Exposure Code List (2020 Update)
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Harmful in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
 
moderate
 
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
 
some
 
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Quaternary ammonium compounds
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.).
Quaternary ammonium compounds
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.
Quaternary ammonium compounds
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
Quaternary ammonium compounds
NTP Toxcast scored 2.5-3.5
 
some
 
National Toxicology Program (NTP): EWG Toxcast Analysis
 
 
About the ratings About the ratings
EWG provides information on cleaning product ingredients from the published scientific... continue reading →
EWG provides information on cleaning product ingredients from published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product - not the product itself - compared to other product formulations. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors that determine actual health risks, if any. (Hide)
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