Accumulation of Benzalkonium Chloride from Disinfectants in Dust Associated with Increased Microbial Tolerance
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is widely used as a disinfectant in cleaning products and is frequently detected in indoor dust. In this study, we assessed dust samples, along with information on cleaning product use, from 24 pregnant participants. Dust samples were analyzed for BAC concentration and microbial tolerance. Different chain lengths of BAC (C12, C14, and C16) were quantified using LC–MS/MS, and bacterial isolates were tested for BAC tolerance using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. BAC was ubiquitously detected, with C12 and C14 being dominant. Higher BAC concentrations were associated with reported disinfectant use and increased microbial tolerance. These findings suggest that indoor antimicrobial use may promote microbial resistance, highlighting potential exposure risks in indoor environments and the need for further investigation into health and ecological impacts.
Source: medRxiv
Institutions: Northwestern University, Lurie Children's Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7154620151