- and leave them lingering in the air for up to four HOURS, study suggests Nearly every cleaning product in your home may release hundreds of potentially toxic chemicals when used, a study suggests.
Researchers at the Environmental Working Group tested 30 common household products such as glass cleaners, stain removers and air fresheners.
They said that all but one released measurable levels of volatile compounds, or VOCs — tiny toxins linked to cancers, asthma and fertility problems when inhaled.
Ten products released levels of the chemicals that were so high they breached European safety standards, and the VOCs lingered in the air for up to four hours.
Even some 'green' products — that claimed to be safer and more environmentally friendly — released hazardous levels of VOCs, they said.
The researchers added that the study was a 'wake-up call' for consumers, saying that people needed to be 'more aware' of the risks from cleaning products.
Pictured above are the 29 out of 30 products that released VOCs into the air. They are ranked by the total amount of VOCs released into the air within four hours of use, from most to least released, according to the study. Only one product that was tested — Dr Bronner's pure-castile soap, baby unscented — did not release any VOCs when it was used. Ten products released levels of VOCs that were so high that they breached European safety standards