Many cleaning products marketed as environmentally friendly and green can emit just as many harmful chemicals as normal products, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Science: Process and Impact. The authors defend that these products need better regulations and more guidance for consumers about green products.
Cleaning products emit a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including some that are dangerous or can undergo chemical reactions and become secondary pollutants. In recent years, products sold as green have become very popular, as consumers believe they’re better for their health and environment. However, researchers from the University of York, UK, found that that’s not always the case.
The team analysed the VOC composition of 10 normal and 13 green cleaning products during the study. Worryingly, green products emitted more monoterpenes than normal cleaners, resulting in more secondary pollutants, such as formaldehyde and peroxyacyl nitrates. It turned out that the fragrance ingredients in these products were the ones most likely to produce volatile monoterpenes. The authors warn that these VOCs can cause breathing problems, or irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Repeated long-term exposure can even cause cancer.
“Our research found there is no strong evidence to suggest that clean green products are better for indoor air quality compared to regular products,” said Ellen Harding-Smith, Environmental Chemistry researcher from the Department of Environment & Geography. “In fact, there was very little difference. Many consumers are being misled by the marketing of these products and could be damaging the air quality in their homes as a result – potentially putting their health at risk. For so many products on the supermarket shelves, green doesn’t mean clean.”
“The study highlights potential compositional differences in the formulations of regular and green cleaners, for which there is currently very little information on in the available literature,” concluded Harding-Smith. “Manufacturers really need to be so much clearer about what’s in these products and make clear how to mitigate their harm. For example, just improving ventilation and opening windows when using these cleaning products makes air quality at home so much better.”
Harding-Smith E, Shaw DR, Shaw M, Dillon TJ, Carslaw N. Does green mean clean? Volatile organic emissions from regular versus green cleaning products. Environ Sci Process Impacts. 2024 Feb 21;26(2):436-450. doi: 10.1039/d3em00439b. PMID: 38258874.