Evidence
Health issue
Level of Concern
Source
Ester quats
A structurally similar compound is know to be an asthmagen (sensitizing).
A structurally similar compound is know to be an asthmagen (sensitizing).
moderate
2020. Environmental Working Group. 2020. Quaternary ammonium compounds structural similarities.
Ester quats
European Union Ecolabel program data shows this substance has high acute toxicity to aquatic life
European Union Ecolabel program data shows this substance has high acute toxicity to aquatic life
some
EU Ecolabel: Detergents Ingredients Database
Ester quats
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.).
Ester quats
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.
Ester quats
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.
Ester quats
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.
Ester quats
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.
Ester quats
The European Union Ecolabel program reports this substance is readily biodegradable.
The European Union Ecolabel program reports this substance is readily biodegradable.
low
EU Ecolabel: Detergents Ingredients Database
Ester quats
The European Union Ecolabel program reports this substance is anaerobically degradable.
The European Union Ecolabel program reports this substance is anaerobically degradable.
low
EU Ecolabel: Detergents Ingredients Database
