reviewEnvironmental Science & TechnologyMay 9, 2023BRONZE OA

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern

WAWilliam A. ArnoldABArlene BlumJBJennifer BranyanTAThomas A. BrutonCCCourtney C. Carignan

University of Minnesota · Public Policy Institute of California · +18 more institutions

PubMed
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Abstract

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), a large class of chemicals that includes high production volume substances, have been used for decades as antimicrobials, preservatives, and antistatic agents and for other functions in cleaning, disinfecting, personal care products, and durable consumer goods. QAC use has accelerated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the banning of 19 antimicrobials from several personal care products by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2016. Studies conducted before and after the onset of the pandemic indicate increased human exposure to QACs. Environmental releases of these chemicals have also increased. Emerging information on adverse environmental and human health impacts…

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Keywords
  • Business
  • Environmental health
  • Biotechnology
  • Medicine
  • Biology
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Responsible consumption and production
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