Are Your Cleaning Products Causing Allergies and Asthma?

How everyday cleaning products may harm your family by causing allergies and asthma.

By Dr. Shikha Bhattacharyya | Jan 21, 2026 | reTHink Zero Waste

Most of us like homes that are clean and smell fresh. We spend time and money on cleaning products because we want to keep our families healthy and free from germs. Some of us even go a bit overboard!

But have you ever checked the labels on your cleaners?Have you noticed feeling uneasy after using sprays or wipes? Does anyone in your home experience headaches, allergies, skin irritation, or asthma flare-ups after cleaning?

If so, your cleaning products may be part of the problem.

Why Common Cleaning Products Can Be Causing Allergies and Asthma

Many household cleaners come in plastic bottles that end up in landfills. But the bigger concern is what’s inside those bottles.

Most cleaning products contain chemicals that can cause or worsen allergies and asthma. Many products even have warnings like “Keep out of reach of children” or list a poison control number. If these products are that dangerous, why are we using them in our homes?

Common Harmful Chemicals in Household Cleaning Products

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

VOCs easily evaporate into the air and are found in sprays, polishes, air fresheners, and surface cleaners.

Effects:

• Irritate lungs

• Cause headaches

• Worsen allergies and asthma

Research shows that cleaning products can release hundreds of hazardous VOCs indoors. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17585104/

Quats (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds)

Used in many disinfectant sprays and wipes.

Effects:

• Can trigger asthma and breathing issues

• Cause skin irritation

Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)

Bleach kills germs but can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs. Mixing bleach with other cleaners can create dangerous gases.

Ammonia

Found in glass cleaners and degreasers.

Effects:

• Irritates lungs

• Makes asthma worse

• Causes coughing or chest tightness

Synthetic Fragrances

Anything labeled “fragrance” in cleaning products can contain hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates.

Effects:

• Trigger allergies

• Cause asthma flare-ups

• Affect hormones

Research Shows

Indoor cleaning products are also a major source of indoor air pollution, which is often underestimated.

What I’ve Seen as a Pharmacist

With over 20 years as a pharmacist, I’ve noticed a rise in asthma, allergies, skin problems, and autoimmune issues, especially in children. Many kids have rashes or unexplained reactions that doctors cannot easily explain. Cleaning chemicals and indoor pollution play a major role.

Safe Alternatives for Your Home

You don’t need harsh chemicals to have a clean home. Many gentle options work just as well — and are safer for your family and the planet.

Better Cleaning Options:

• Hot water + plain soap — works for most surfaces

• Hydrogen peroxide — a natural disinfectant

• White vinegar — removes grease and grime

• Baking soda — scrubs and deodorizes

These alternatives clean effectively without toxic fumes or harmful waste and not cause or worsen allergies and asthma.

The Bottom Line

You clean because you care about your family. But many household cleaning products may be doing more harm than good and even causing allergies and asthma causing serious damage to your health and the environment.

Hidden chemicals in cleaners can:

• Irritate lungs

• Trigger allergies

• Worsen asthma

• Cause headaches

• Disrupt hormones

The good news? You can create a safer, cleaner, and low-toxin home with simple swaps for your cleaning products. Being aware of what to avoid is the first step toward a healthier family and planet.

If you have questions, I’d love to help. And if this post is useful, please share it so more families can make safer choices and reduce waste in their homes.