Year 12 Pilot: Assessing exposure to commonly used disinfectants in metro-Atlanta preschoolers

PI: Amina Salamova

Study year: 2024

The use of surface disinfectants in schools has increased since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these products play an important role in infection control and prevention, their increased use may increase exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) among their users and others. QACs are widely used as disinfectants in cleaning, antimicrobial, and other consumer products and exposure to these compounds has been linked to negative reproductive and respiratory health effects. Despite their widespread use, there is limited research on human exposure to QACs, especially in vulnerable populations such as children. This proposal seeks to quantitatively evaluate QAC exposure in children attending Atlanta preschools. In this pilot study we will develop new methods for measuring the levels of QACs in urine samples collected from children attending Atlanta preschools.

How this study advances exposome science: The proposed study is part of our ongoing effort to characterize the human exposome and develop the new analytical methods needed for measuring exposure to understudied contaminants of emerging concern. Results of this work aim to protect a vulnerable population – preschool age children – from harmful chemicals and ensure safer practices in schools for all children.