Khaberni - A recent scientific study has revealed potential risks of using household cleaning products, warning that inhaling the particles they emit could cause serious damage to the lungs, potentially more severe than their effects when accidentally swallowed.
The study, according to "Daily Mail", referred to a chemical compound known as Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC), a common ingredient in hundreds of disinfectant sprays on the market, such as Lysol and Clorox products, which has been used for decades in sterilization and cleaning processes.
Although scientists have known for years that this substance could be toxic when ingested, recent research has begun to reveal a more dangerous aspect, represented in its effect when inhaled, especially during spraying in enclosed spaces.
The lead researcher in the study, Dr. Gino Cortopassi, said that the findings showed that exposure to these compounds through inhalation resulted in a 100-fold increase in damage and fatalities compared to exposure through ingestion, which he described as surprising and concerning.
He added that these results prompt a reconsideration of the widespread use of these products, especially in light of the prevalence of sprays based on these compounds in the home environment.
Previous research indicates that a significant percentage of people, up to about 80%, have traces of quaternary ammonium compounds in their bloodstream; reflecting the extent of exposure to these materials.
Other studies have linked these compounds to their effect on energy production within cells, particularly in mitochondria, which are responsible for generating energy in the body.
The decrease in energy production efficiency has been linked to a number of health issues, such as: chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, and brain fog, along with other associations with chronic diseases.
The warnings did not stop there, as research indicated that exposure to these substances could lead to skin and eye irritation, in addition to increasing the likelihood of respiratory diseases, such as: asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
