Cleaning products release a broad mix of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which are hazardous or can transform into harmful secondary pollutants. In recent years, green cleaners have surged in popularity with the belief that they are healthier and gentler on the environment. Yet research shows that green does not always equal clean.
Researchers from New York University argue that stronger regulations and clearer guidance for consumers are needed to truly gauge how safe cleaning products are.
The study, published in Environmental Science: Processes & Impact, concludes that scented cleaners can negatively influence indoor air quality. The core question guiding the research asked whether green cleaning products outperform regular ones for indoor air quality. To remove doubt, the team compared the VOC makeup of 10 conventional cleaners and 13 organic options.
Monoterpenes, components of the volatile notes in flowers and some essential oils, were the most common VOCs, and their levels were three times higher in the cleaners labeled organic than in standard formulas.
The researchers applied the emissions of spicy monoterpenes to a detailed chemical model to study indoor air chemistry after a typical cleaning event.
cancer risk
Green cleaners generally release more monoterpenes than regular cleaners, leading to larger increases in the concentrations of harmful secondary pollutants such as formaldehyde and peroxyacyl nitrates after use.
However, emissions of the most reactive monoterpenes were observed more often with ordinary cleaners, producing a disproportionately large effect on radical species and secondary pollutants formed in the air.
Analysis indicates that fragrances in cleaning products are a source of volatile monoterpenes. As these contaminants accumulate in homes, sensitive individuals may experience breathing problems or irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, or skin. Repeated exposure to high formaldehyde levels can also raise cancer risk in some cases.
Our research found no strong evidence that green and clean products outperform conventional options for indoor air quality. Ellen Harding-Smith, Environmental Chemistry researcher in the Department of Environment and Geography, notes that there was surprisingly little difference between the two groups. Many shoppers are misled by marketing, potentially degrading air quality at home and risking health. For many shelves, green does not mean clean.
She adds that the study points to possible compositional differences in regular and organic cleansers about which little information exists in current literature.
open windows
Manufacturers should be much clearer about product contents and ways to reduce harm. For instance, improving ventilation and opening windows during cleaning can markedly improve home air quality.
This study aligns with another report in Chemosphere by the Environmental Working Group from last September. A survey of 30 cleaning products, including window cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, and air fresheners, tested both conventional and green products and detected 530 unique VOCs, of which 193 were hazardous and linked to respiratory harm, cancer risk, and developmental or reproductive effects.
VOCs in cleaning products affect air quality both indoors and outdoors, but indoor air tends to be two to five times more polluted, with some estimates suggesting up to ten times more pollution. Some products emit VOCs for days, weeks, or even months.
The investigation concludes that products labeled green emit fewer VOCs than conventional options, roughly half as many. Eco-friendly variants labeled odorless produced the least VOC emissions, almost eight times lower than conventional products and four times lower than organic options with fragrance. The guidance from researchers is to choose fragrance-free products whenever possible.
Earlier studies have indicated that higher use of certain household cleaners during pregnancy and early childhood is associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma and wheezing.
Reference work: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/em/d3em00439b