Abstract:
In response to the novel coronavirus referred to as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – a
virus that causes COVID-19 disease has led to wide use of sanitizers and disinfectants. This, in turn, triggered concerns
on their potential deleterious effects to human health and the environment due to numerous chemicals incorporated in
both product categories. Here, the current state of science regarding the occurrence and ecological effects of different
classes of chemicals in these products (e.g., ultraviolent filters, fragrances, etc.) are summarized in different natural
(e.g., rivers) and engineered (e.g., wastewater treatment plants) systems. Data collected in the literature suggests
chemicals incorporated in sanitizers and disinfectants are present in the environment, and a large portion are toxic
to fish, algae, and daphnia. Using the risk quotient approach based on occurrence data, we found eight chemicals
that posed the highest risk to aquatic organisms in freshwater systems were benzalkonium chloride, 4-chloro-m-cresol,
sodium ortho phenyl phenate, hydrogen peroxide, 1, 2-propanediol, 4-Methyl-benzilidine-camphor, ethylhexyl
methoxy cinnamate, and octocrylene. Considering limited occurrence and effects information for most chemicals, further
studies on environmental monitoring and potential consequences of long-termexposure in aquatic ecosystems are
recommended.
