(File photo/paNOW staff)

By paNOW Staff

covid-19

U of S study shows hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants may pollute air

Dec 2, 2020 | 11:29 AM

A University of Saskatchewan team has conducted research into the airborne polluting effects of cleaning surfaces with hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants and says these pose health risks.

According to a media release, they discovered mopping the floor with a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants raised the level of airborne hydrogen peroxide to over 600 parts per billion. That is 60 per cent of the maximum level allowed for exposure over a span of eight hours.

“When you’re washing surfaces, you are also changing the air you are breathing,” as stated in the release by USask chemistry researcher Tara Kahan, senior author of the study and Canada Research Chair in Environmental Analytical Chemistry. “Poor indoor air quality is associated with respiratory issues such as asthma.”

Kahan went on to say at the beginning of the pandemic they were unable to do research because they were out of stock due to increased demand because of COVID-19.

She explained after multiple tests, such as spraying a vinyl floor in a simulated room, they found the real risk is for those who are repeatedly exposed to it such as janitors or house cleaners.

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Kahan said the impact on children and pets who are usually closer to the surfaces is not yet known.

“More than 10 per cent of disinfectants approved by Health Canada that are deemed likely to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 use hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. A total of 168 disinfecting products containing hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient are approved or marketed in Canada. There are a few ways to reduce risks while disinfecting your home, Kahan said in the release.”

Some ways to avoid using these types of disinfectants include using soap and water and opening a window while using the disinfectant or using central air.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow