Can quaternary ammonium compounds in cleaning products build up in older adults' blood?

What's actually in it

Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are disinfectants found in surface sprays, bathroom cleaners, antibacterial wipes, fabric softeners, and hospital-grade cleaners. Since the pandemic, their use in homes and care facilities has increased. Quats leave residues on surfaces that you touch, breathe in, and absorb through your skin.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Environ Sci Technol measured quat exposure in older adults living in assisted living facilities. The researchers found elevated quat levels in residents' blood. The levels correlated with how often their living spaces were cleaned with quat-containing products.

Older adults are especially vulnerable because they spend more time indoors and may have thinner skin and weaker detoxification systems. Chronic quat exposure has been linked to reproductive harm, immune changes, and respiratory irritation.

For home cleaning, choose hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or plant-based cleaners instead of quat-based disinfectants. Reserve quats for situations where true disinfection is needed, and ventilate well afterward.