https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2024.038
Published: Kem. Ind. 74 (7-8) (2025) 311–320
Paper reference number: KUI-38/2024
Paper type: Review
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Household Chemicals – Cleaning Agents as Invisible Enemies

B. Barusić, P. E. Leko, L. Milek, V. Sabolić and M. Miloloža Nikolić

Abstract

We are exposed daily to a variety of chemicals found in food, cosmetics, household products, and the environment. Cleaning products, such as soaps and detergents, often contain high-production-volume substances. Their improper use can pose risks to both human health and the environment. Common chemical ingredients in these products include ammonia, volatile organic compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, hypochlorite, and isothiazole ions. Exposure to these substances can lead to health issues such as asthma, skin and eye irritation, and headaches. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased use of disinfectants further raised levels of exposure. These chemicals can enter the environment through wastewater and evaporation, affecting ecosystems. Studies have shown their toxic effects on test organisms such as the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the water flea Daphnia magna. Consequently, regulations and policies have been introduced to reduce their concentrations, and less toxic alternatives are being explored. This paper outlines the composition of chemicals in cleaning products, their impact on human health, living organisms and the environment, as well as the potential alternative ingredients under investigation.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Keywords

chemical compounds, cleaning products, health, environment, toxicity, alternative ingredients