As if you needed another reason for concern regarding the safety of commonly used household and commercial cleaning products--a recent study indicates there may be a link between them and childhood obesity.
The Potential Connection Between Cleaning Products and Childhood Obesity
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has identified a potential link between infant exposure to commonly used cleaning products and childhood obesity.
A study, published in the Sept. 17 Canadian Medical Association Journal, analyzed the gut flora of 757 infants at 3 to 4 months, and their weight at ages 1 and 3 years.
The researchers looked at exposure to disinfectants, detergents, and eco-friendly products used in the home.
They found that frequent use of household disinfectants like multi-surface cleaners was linked to lower levels of Haemophilus and Clostridium bacteria, but higher levels of Lachnospiraceae in the gut flora of babies 3 to 4 months old.
Significantly, their body mass index (BMI) was higher at age 3.
Yet these same associations were not found with eco-friendly cleaners.
Cleaning Products May Disrupt Kids' Gut Bacteria, Lead to Obesity
The Curse of Chemical Multi-Surface Cleaners
First, the facts.
In nearly every household where the gut flora markers were discovered, a commonly used multi-surface cleaner was employed throughout the home on a regular basis.
The study found that the most common disinfectant used in homes was multi-surface cleaner, with nearly 80 percent of households using this type of disinfectant on a weekly basis.
Now, the conjecture.
Chemical disinfectants indiscriminately kill benign microbes that pose no apparent threat to the health of humans.
All microbes, including dangerous germs and bacteria, form colonies on the surfaces that we have surrounded ourselves with.
Benign microbial matter, commonly referred to as probiotics, provide two primary functions:
- Inhibiting the spread of dangerous microbes--two objects cannot occupy the same physical space at the same time, and;
- Consuming the food supply, including the dead cells of dangerous bacteria, which controls the ability of the colonies to reproduce rapidly.
The presence of the bacteria potentially linked to higher Body Mass Indices (BMI) in children could be related to this process, whereby the probiotic microbes are killed in the disinfection process, leading to the rapid growth of, and exposure to, undesirable or dangerous germs.
Green Cleaning Tips
According to the study, children raised in homes which used eco-friendly green cleaning products did not have the same gut flora.
However, this was not attributed so much to the cleaning products used, but the likelihood of the mother living a healthier lifestyle.
Those infants growing up in households with heavy use of eco cleaners had much lower levels of the gut microbes Enterobacteriaceae.
However, we found no evidence that these gut microbiome changes caused the reduced obesity risk," she said.
[...] the use of eco-friendly products may be linked to healthier overall maternal lifestyles and eating habits, contributing in turn to the healthier gut microbiomes and weight of their infants.
Household cleaning products may contribute to kids' overweight by altering their gut microbiota
So, what's a parent to do?
Ditch the chemical cocktail and buy an EPA Certified Category IV Disinfectant, such as PureGreen24.
Category IV disinfectants have a longer shelf-life, are safer to store and use, and maintain residual efficacy, which means they continue to fight off the growth of germs and other bacteria after the initial application.
While category IV disinfectants are not suitable for use in all situations--most relating to hospital and emergency room disinfecting needs--it is more than sufficient to address the regular cleaning and disinfecting requirements of the typical home, office, or classroom.
References & Resources
- Postnatal exposure to household disinfectants, infant gut microbiota and subsequent risk of overweight in children
- Household Cleaning Products Might be Making Your Children Fat
- Can Cleaning Products Impact Childhood Obesity?
- All Purpose Cleaners: How and Where to Use Multi-Purpose Cleaning Products in Your Home
Takeaway
While the verdict is still out on the direct correlation between the regular use of multi-surface cleaning products and other commonly used household disinfectants, the study does point to a significant flaw in our understanding of how the chemicals we use to sanitize our living, learning, and working environments impact us directly and indirectly, especially long-term.
The most advisable approach is to use scientifically backed, safer for use, or certified green cleaning products and disinfectants.
If you would like more information regarding the health, safety, and efficacy of eco-friendly green cleaning products and practices for your school or business--contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
