Determinant Effects of using Toilet Cleaners on Indoor Air Quality

Abstract

Toilet cleaners are common in urban households. The market is flooded with toilet cleaners. Composed of strong chemicals, they are known to release harmful pollutants into the air and water. This study aims to investigate the indoor pollutant concentrations in a toilet after using toilet cleaners and understand their determinant on the air quality. The experiment was conducted in a toilet of a residence using Harpic Power plus, Domex Active Green Formula, and Mr. Muscle Visible Power, the three of the leading brands of toilet cleaners in the market. Measurement sampling was performed for CO2, PM2.5, PM10, Temperature, Humidity, and AQI using IQAir, Visual Air Quality Monitor. The results showed an increase in the Air Quality Index to Hazardous levels for all the three products for 2 hrs after application and rinse. High concentration values of PM2.5, PM10, and CO2 were also noted during this period, rendering the space unsafe for occupancy. The paper concludes that the leading brands of toilet cleaners pose a major health risk to the occupants in the experiment.