Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Quats Overview

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, often called QACs or simply “quats,” are a large family of ingredients that can serve different purposes, including acting as preservatives, surfactants, antistatic agents, and as biocidal active ingredients for disinfectants and sanitizers.

When used as biocidal active ingredients, quats can kill germs such as bacteria, fungi and some viruses (especially enveloped viruses). Biocidal quats kill microbes by breaking down their protective outer layer, which stops them from growing and spreading. When that barrier breaks down, the microbe can’t survive or multiply. The specific quat used and how much is in the product determines which germs it can kill.

With the increased use of biocidal active ingredients during the COVID-19 pandemic, quats have come under additional scrutiny.

 

Are there concerns associated with Quats?

Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to understand the health and environmental impacts of quats. In concentrated amounts, quats can cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation or be harmful if swallowed. Some published animal studies raised questions about reproductive or developmental effects, but regulators reviewed more robust studies and did not conclude that quats cause these effects.

Specific quats have been detected in environments near wastewater treatment and manufacturing sites. Elevated levels of quats are harmful to aquatic life, but many quats are not known to persist in the environment. Studies have suggested that use of quats, particularly in products that go down the drain, could contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

Quats used in disinfectants are regulated by agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). These agencies evaluate quat-containing products to ensure they are safe and effective when used as directed.

In household disinfectants, quats can be used at low concentrations on a variety of surfaces. Depending on the product type and use application, alternative disinfectant actives include bleach, citric acid, lactic acid, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide. Some people prefer to limit how often they use disinfectants. When disinfection isn’t needed, routine cleaning with general household cleaners is often enough.

References:
National Pesticide Information Center Quats Fact Sheet
Publication: Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern
Publication: Perspectives on safety of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)