Why We Never Use Quats in ION Wipes

What Are Quats?

Quaternary ammonium compounds—commonly known as quats—are powerful disinfectants found in many wipes, sprays, and cleaning products. They work by binding to surfaces and breaking down the protective layers of bacteria and viruses.

But their use comes at a cost.

Beyond cleaning products, quats are also used in fabric softeners, antistatic sprays, conditioners, lotions, and even baby wipes—despite growing evidence of their health and environmental risks.

At ION Wipes, we’ve made a clear choice:

No quats. No compromises.

The Health Risks of Quats

  • 🫁 Linked to Respiratory Issues

    • In California, nearly 1 in 5 work-related asthma cases occurs in janitorial workers regularly exposed to quats.
    • Animal studies have shown that even low-level exposure can cause —and no "safe" level has been established.

  • 🧬 May Impact Fertility

    • A study involving nurses revealed that frequent use of quat disinfectants was associated with a 25% longer time to conceive.
    • Male mice exposed to quats had reduced sperm count, lower motility, and fewer offspring.

  • 🧴 Irritates Skin

    • Quats like benzalkonium chloride (BZK) are known to cause contact dermatitis, both allergic and irritant-based.
    • Workers exposed to quat-based products are , according to published studies.

Quats aren’t just bad for humans—they’re bad for the planet.

🌊 Non-Biodegradable & 🐟 Toxic to Wildlife

This disrupts aquatic ecosystems by harming responsible for balancing nitrogen and ammonia levels. Quats are known to be highly toxic to fish and other aquatic species—even at low concentrations.

How to Spot Quats on Labels

Look for these ingredients on the active ingredient panel or back label of cleaning products:

  • Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK)
  • Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride
  • Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride
  • Lauryl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride
  • N-Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl / Ethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride

If you see any of these—it's a quat.

A Better Alternative: ION Wipes

At ION Wipes, we believe cleaning should never come at the cost of your health or the environment. That’s why our disinfecting wipes use plant-based citric acid—a powerful, naturally derived antimicrobial that’s effective, safe, and quat-free.

✅ Quat-Free

✅ Plant-Based Formula

✅ Safe for Skin & Lungs

✅ Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable Ingredients

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