The COVID-Triggered Habit Harming Your Health

Boy, a LOT has changed in the last few years.

COVID altered our lives in so many ways. I used to largely ignore hearing a cough or sneeze in public. But now they get my attention EVERY time.

In fact, protecting myself from them has a side benefit. I’ve dodged many of the other sniffle-and- sneeze-causing bugs we typically battle every season.

Like many others, I have changed how I move through the world. I’m constantly doing almost unconscious risk assessments based on location, crowd size, who I will be with, etc.

And I haven’t even mentioned the dramatic changes in medicine, the economy, and the world yet.

But there’s one thing that’s changed and it’s largely gone unnoticed

It’s a new habit many of us picked up in the COVID years. And it could be putting you and your family at risk.

Since COVID arrived, many of us have adopted more-rigorous home and work cleaning routines. And the use of disinfectants has skyrocketed as a result.

On the surface, that sounds like a good thing. After all, we’re reducing our exposure to all kinds of potentially sickening bugs. The trouble is, something lurks in many of those disinfectants that could cause far more HARM than good.

They’re called quaternary ammonium compounds or QACs.

Chances are you’ve never even heard of them before. But these powerful disinfectants were marketed as one of the best ways to clean public and private spaces during the pandemic. And as a result, QACs have been used in countless hand sanitizers, wipes, sprays, and foggers.

QACs remain on surfaces for a long time and can become airborne. They’re associated with asthma, skin conditions, and general inflammation in humans.

Even worse, there’s evidence these disinfectants are linked to birth defects, infertility, and an increased risk of antimicrobial resistance when microorganisms become immune to the tools we use to fight them.

This is why a group of over two dozen scientists is sounding the alarm in a review published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

The researchers warn that the increased use of these antimicrobials in homes, healthcare settings, educational environments, public spaces, and workplaces is unhelpful or even harmful. Far safer and just as effective alternatives are available.

Look, I get it. COVID was a wake-up call for all of us.

We suddenly realized just how exposed we are to potentially sickening bugs. In the early days of the pandemic, before we knew much about this new threat, we HAD to do everything we could to reduce our risks.

Naturally, our use of disinfectants increased. And in truth, at the time, it may have saved lives.

But here’s the other truth: research clearly shows that, in MOST cases, simple soap and water do an equally good (or better) job at removing microorganisms from surfaces. And this “old fashioned” dynamic duo does it without ANY of the adverse side effects of QAC disinfectants.

If something “stronger” is needed, plenty of FAR safer products exist.

Hopefully, the scientist’s warning will push the FDA to require clear labeling on products containing QACs in the future. But in the meantime, we’ll have to look out for ourselves.

Get into the habit of checking the labels on your disinfectants and cleaning products. Benzalkonium chloride is the most widely used QAC. Others can be found by looking for the words “ammonium chloride” or anything similar at the end of the ingredient list.

For HELP choosing products, check out the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.

P.S. Research has revealed a surprising threat to our gut health. It turns out that how we clean our dishes could be harming our microbiome. CLICK HERE for the gut-churning details.

Source:

“Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern,” Environmental Science & Technology (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c0824

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First

Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s   more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...

Read This

Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”

Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...

Read This

The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track

Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...

Read This

Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain

Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...

Read This

Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries

“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...

Read This

Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds

In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...

Read This

Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk

With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...

Read This

Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health

If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...

Read This

Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin

If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...

Read This

Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT

“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...

Read This