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Quaternary ammonium compounds, also called quats or QACs, are a group of chemicals used for a variety of purposes including as preservatives, surfactants, antistatic agents and as active ingredients in disinfectants and sanitizers.
Quats can be highly effective at killing bacteria, fungi and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and are found in many common disinfectant products.
Quats are used in a variety of products and processes, including cleaning products, water purification, wood preservation and textile manufacturing.
Quats are a key ingredient in many cleaning and disinfection products, including dishwashing liquids, window and all-purpose cleaners, hand soaps, air fresheners and disinfectant sprays used in health care facilities, hospitals, schools, offices and households. Quats used in these products can help kill bacteria and germs, such as salmonella and staphylococcus aureus, to help prevent illnesses and infection from spreading from person to person.
A list on Quats.org catalogs a number of infectious disease agents that quat-based formulations can target and destroy when used according to label instructions.
For wastewater treatment, quats can help control growth of microorganisms. Quats added to swimming pools, hot tubs and public fountains help disinfect the water and control algae.
Alkaline copper quaternary is a water-based solution that can help preserve wood products by preventing decay caused by fungi and insects. Products that contain quat solutions can be used for building and utility poles, fence posts, decks, marine walls and other wood structures.
Quats protect textile fibers from accumulating mold and fungi and also can act as a moth repellent. Quats also prevent mold and mildew from damaging leather fibers.
Disinfecting products, including those containing quats, are regulated and evaluated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other authorities. In the United States, quat-based ingredients undergo rigorous testing to determine that they will not have an unreasonable adverse effect on human health and the environment when used as directed.
Direct consumer contact with quats can occur through product spillage and may cause skin dermatitis, or inflammation, and eye and mucus membrane irritation. Workplace exposure may cause asthma symptoms.
When picking a disinfectant product, choose one that is labelled for use on the surface you want to disinfect. Additionally, product directions on the label should be followed so that the product is effective and handled properly.
Public health experts have made several safety recommendations to mitigate potential effects of exposure to quats. People using products containing quats should follow the label instructions and use it only for its intended purpose. As with most cleaning products, products containing quats should be stored in their original containers and not mixed with other cleaning products.
Quats are a group of chemicals used for a variety of purposes, including as preservatives, surfactants, antistatic agents and as active ingredients for disinfectants and sanitizers. Quats have been shown to be highly effective at killing bacteria, fungi and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and are found in many common disinfectant products.
Quats are included in cleaning supplies to help kill germs and bacteria. Quats contain positively-charged particles that bind to the negatively-charged cells in bacteria. Once the quat attaches itself to the bacteria’s cells, it can break down the cell’s wall and destroys it.
Disinfecting products, including those with quats are highly regulated and evaluated by the EPA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as many international authorities such as the European Commission. For products containing quats to make it to the market, they must undergo a high level of rigorous testing in order to determine the impacts they may have on human health and the environment. Products can only be registered if data show that the intended uses (as described on the product labels) are safe when used as directed.
As with all cleaning products, quat-based disinfectant cleaners should only be used according to the directions on the label. Such products should NEVER be ingested or injected. If you are experiencing any issues due to an accidental spill on your skin, eye exposure, inhalation or ingestion, read the first aid instructions on the product label and if necessary, contact your local poison control center or 911.
Despite the duration and prevalence of their use in commercial and consumer products, few studies have assessed the toxicity of single QACs. The majority of studies investigating the toxicity of single QACs are unpublished company reports which indicate weight reduction as the main effect in mice.
Quats are biodegradable and do not accumulate in the environment. Though some can be toxic to marine animals, tests also show that quats don’t accumulate in organisms either. Other environmental compounds help to break down the chemical so that it doesn’t spread through the ecosystem.
Certain quat-based disinfectants are effective against SARS-CoV-2. EPA’s “List N. Disinfectants against Coronavirus (COVID-19)” includes many Quat-based disinfectants that can be used against SARS-CoV-2. The criteria for inclusion on this list include either having been tested against SARS-CoV-2 or having demonstrated efficacy against a harder to kill virus or a human coronavirus that is similar to SARS-CoV-2.
