ADVANCEMENT OF THE PRACTICE
• Overall, QACs are regarded as safe when used correctly. There is, however, evidence of QAC toxicity most often manifested as skin sensitization, eye and mucous mem- brane irritation, and inflammation of the respiratory tract when the product is used incorrectly. Other symptoms, including those associated with reproduction and hormone disruption, were chronicled in toxicokinetic animal studies. QACs were also evaluated for ecotoxicity. These studies examined environmental persistence and bioaccumulation in fish, birds, and mam- mals. The most commonly used QACs— alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) and dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC)—were found to be highly toxic to aquatic vertebrates, moderately toxic to birds, and slightly toxic to mam- mals. Additionally, QACs are considered to be environmentally persistent because they strongly adhere to soil, dust, and sediment and are considered to bioaccumulate. • According to the literature, there is a risk of both acute and chronic human exposure
as well as ecotoxicity to QACs when con- centrations exceed recommended limits through misuse or inadvertent contamina- tion. There is also a risk of communicable disease exposure when these sanitizing and disinfecting agents are not used prop- erly to reduce the microbiological presence in a potentially contaminated environ- ment. Neither risk outweighs the other; both need to be balanced. • When working in retail food establish- ments, food and pharmaceutical manu- facturing facilities, or institutions (e.g., hospitals, corrections, nursing homes, childcare centers, hospitality, schools), the chances are high that several differ- ent forms of QACs will be encountered. Each form, whether a concentrated liquid, aerosol, fog, spray, or wipe, carries inher- ent risks in the environment where it is used. It is therefore our professional duty to review each product’s label or safety data sheet (SDS). We need to ask why they are necessary and how, when, and where these products are used, stored,
disposed of, and most importantly, what safety measures are in place to protect occupants, staff, and the environment. It is our job to ensure that all forms of QACs are used in accordance with regulations and manufacturer recommendations. To verify in-use concentration, highly accu- rate, easy-to-use QAC test kits and test strips are available for field use. They are reasonably priced and should be part of our toolkit. Use them. • Lastly, recognize the rationale for consid- ering non- or low-toxic cleaning, sanitiz- ing, and disinfecting methods and prod- ucts to protect indoor air quality, reduce health risks such as skin irritation and hormone disruption, and prevent harsh synthetic residues from harming people and the environment. Learn about them and suggest economically viable and safe alternatives that lower risks to public health and the environment. It is the right thing to do.
Contact: powitz@sanitarian.com
Where Environmental Health Leaders Connect—Be Part of the Network Reach the leaders driving progress in environmental and public health.
REGULATORS
DECISION- MAKERS
As the trusted publication of NEHA, the Journal of Environmental Health connects your organization with professionals who shape the standards, research, and practices that keep communities and individuals safe.
INDUSTRY
Journal of Environmental Health
EDUCATORS
Let’s elevate your visibility. REACH OUT TODAY!
UNIFORMED SERVICES
CONSULTANTS
Contact Soni Fink at (303) 802-2139 or sfink@neha.org
42
Volume 89 • Number 4
Powered by FlippingBook