Important research & policy updates, and work from our Institute
More and more studies are being published on the harms—and often, lack of benefit—of antimicrobials but are flying under the radar. In these newsletters we will be sharing notable new peer-reviewed research related to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and other antimicrobials used in consumer products. In the past month, there have been studies published finding links to antimicrobial resistance, reproductive harm, and food contamination.
It can be challenging for manufacturers and purchasers to avoid chemicals of concern. The Six Classes approach is one helpful conceptual tool that the Green Science Policy Institute developed and has been promoting for over a decade. To prevent regrettable substitutions, this approach suggests avoiding the entire classes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, antimicrobials, flame retardants, bisphenols and phthalates, some solvents, and certain metals. When evaluating a chemical of concern, the Institute emphasizes the importance of asking whether it is truly necessary and worth the potential for harm. For example, given the substantial evidence that over-the-counter antibacterial soaps provide no health benefit over plain soap and water, there is no need to look for safer antibacterial active ingredients for this product category. However, in some cases a particular function is necessary. For example, solvents provide an essential function for many products and processes. But solvents vary greatly by performance, toxicity and volatility. There are several tools that offer a systematic approach.
More and more studies are being published on the harms—and often, lack of benefit—of antimicrobials but are flying under the radar. In these newsletters we will be sharing notable new peer-reviewed research related to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and other antimicrobials used in consumer products. In the past month, there have been studies published finding links to reproductive, cardiovascular, neurological, and skin harms as well as antimicrobial resistance.
In the past month, there have been studies published on antimicrobials finding lack of efficacy, environmental contamination, and human exposure, as well as links to neurological harm, endocrine disruption, dermatitis, and antimicrobial resistance.
More and more studies are being published on the harms—and often, lack of benefit—of antimicrobials but are flying under the radar. In the past month, there have been studies finding links between antimicrobials and neurological, cardiological, and skin harms as well as antimicrobial resistance and pollution.
We're proud to announce that our Executive Director Arlene Blum was one of 50 global changemakers selected for the 2024 Forbes Sustainability Leaders list. The honorees "span industries and disciplines while all demonstrating exceptional ambition, innovation, and recent, tangible impact that is both scalable and sustainable. No greenwashing allowed — we looked for people making a real difference in their field," Forbes says. This year’s esteemed panel of judges was comprised of Sylvia Earle, Laurene Powell Jobs, Bill McKibben, Nnimmo Bassey, and Tom Baruch.
Have you ever noticed moss, mold, or algae growing on your driveway, roof, or deck? This problem can not only be unsightly, but it can also pose slip hazards and deteriorate building materials. Many homeowners and property managers turn to outdoor biocide products as a quick fix. Unfortunately, these products increasingly contain harmful quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs or quats) which can create much deeper problems for our health and environment.
Many gyms ask users to spray or wipe equipment with unnecessary disinfectants. Gyms could save money and provide a healthier environment by switching to soap and water.
Anyone who plays a role in choosing products – a retailer, manufacturer, purchaser, product developer, owner, builder, or specifier – can help reduce the use of harmful chemicals. Choosing healthier materials not only protects the environment, your customers and employees, it’s also good for business. It can improve market differentiation, avoid brand liability, and support compliance with government regulations.
What we learned from at-home PFAS testing.