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BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDES

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, Benzalkonium chlorides, can be found in 18 products.
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Evidence

Health issue
 
Level of Concern
 
Source
Benzalkonium chlorides
Very toxic to aquatic life
 
high
 
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Benzalkonium chlorides
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
Benzalkonium chlorides
Asthmagen (sensitizing)
 
moderate
 
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC): AOEC Exposure Code List (2020 Update)
Benzalkonium chlorides
Asthmagen (sensitizing)
 
moderate
 
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC): AOEC Exposure Code List (2020 Update)
Benzalkonium chlorides
Harmful in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
 
moderate
 
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Benzalkonium chlorides
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
 
some
 
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Benzalkonium chlorides
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.).
Benzalkonium chlorides
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.
Benzalkonium chlorides
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
Benzalkonium chlorides
NTP Toxcast scored 2.5-3.5
 
some
 
National Toxicology Program (NTP): EWG Toxcast Analysis
Benzalkonium chlorides
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.
Benzalkonium chlorides
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.
Benzalkonium chlorides
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.
 
 
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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