Is Disinfectant sprays and wipes safe during pregnancy?
Household disinfectant sprays and wipes are fine when used as the label directs. Ventilate and wear gloves for big jobs.
What the sources say
CDC/NIOSH lists surface sprays and wipes with quaternary ammonium compounds or bleach as common household disinfectants and says that, used according to directions, they are generally not considered hazardous. MotherToBaby reports no indication of increased risk for benzalkonium chloride. Limits: follow the label, ventilate, wear gloves for longer cleaning, and don't mix products. Hospital-grade high-level disinfectants are a separate workplace issue. Cleaner compounds are not expected to reach breast milk in meaningful amounts.
Also listed as
alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, antibacterial wipes, benzalkonium chloride, clorox disinfecting wipes, clorox wipes, disinfectant spray, disinfectant wipes, disinfecting wipes, lysol, lysol disinfectant, lysol spray, lysol wipes
Sources
- CDC: About Chemical Disinfectants and Sterilants and Reproductive Health
- MotherToBaby: What's the Dirt on Household Cleaners When Pregnant?
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.