Invisible Threats in Daily Life: Evaluating VOCs, Metals, and Hazards of Household Cleaning Products by Type

Abstract

Household cleaning products (HCPs) are widely used; however, their airborne emissions and hazards have not been thoroughly studied. This study is aimed at evaluating the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and metals present in HCPs and the hazards associated with them. A total of 23 VOCs and 19 metals from 75 HCPs (four spray types and 14 intended usage categories) were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry/optical emission spectroscopy. The largest number of VOCs (21 of 23 ingredients) were detected in spray-type and had the highest frequency (176). d-Limonene was found in almost all products (69 of 75) and had the highest concentration. Benzene, a carcinogen, was detected in six spray-type products. Only three of the 23 VOCs—d-limonene, ethyl acetate, and heptane—appeared in three, one, and one product labels, respectively. Eight of 19 metals were primarily detected in spray-type and spray foam-type products, with sodium, magnesium, and calcium as the main components. Nickel, another carcinogen, was detected in both spray-type and trigger-type products. Caution is required when using spray-type products, especially sticker/glue/tar/oil removers containing benzene and nickel. The study discovered that the VOCs and metals varied by their spray type and lacked sufficient harmful information.