Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a large class of chemicals that includes high production volume substances that have been used for decades as antimicrobials, preservatives, and antistatic agents in cleaning, disinfecting, personal care products, and other consumer products. The use of QACs has surged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 2016 ban on certain antimicrobials like triclosan in personal care products. Environmental releases of these chemicals have also increased. Suspected or known adverse human health outcomes of QACs include dermal and respiratory effects, developmental and reproductive toxicity, metabolic disruption, and impairment of mitochondrial function. This talk will present our research on characterizing exposure to QACs during the COVID-19 pandemic, examine how increased disinfectant use has impacted indoor exposure, and share the first biomonitoring data for these chemicals.

THIS IS A HYBRID SEMINAR WITH IN-PERSON & REMOTE ATTENDANCE OPTIONS.
This seminar will be held in Field Auditorium (room 1112), Grainger Hall.
Visit the seminar website for a livestream link to tune in virtually.
Both attendance options (in person and virtual) are free and open to all.