Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride (DDAC) & QuatsCAS 7173-51-5
The "quat" disinfectant family — broad-spectrum biocides driving cleaning-industry asthma and reproductive toxicity.
Toxic Chemical Databases
Substance-specific listings — these flags are for Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride alone, not for the broader family.
Chemical Type
Quaternary Ammonium Cation Biocide Family
Chemical Description
Quaternary ammonium compounds — "quats" — are positively-charged surfactants with broad antimicrobial activity. DDAC is one of the most-used industrial quats; benzalkonium chloride (BAC, CAS 8001-54-5) is its closest commercial relative. Both are common in disinfectant cleaners, surface-applied antimicrobial textile coatings, and treated building products. Cleaning workers exposed to quat aerosols develop occupational asthma at elevated rates. Animal studies show clear reproductive toxicity at chronic exposure. Antimicrobial-resistance research has linked quat overuse to MRSA selection. Surface residues persist for days.
Biological Activity
Severity scores specific to this substance, NOT the parent family average. Differences between siblings are real and meaningful.
Top Health Consequences
- Occupational asthma in cleaning and healthcare workers
- Reduced fertility in animal studies
- Antimicrobial-resistance selection pressure (MRSA)
- Persistent surface residues for days post-application
- Skin sensitization with repeated direct contact
Pathways of Exposure
- Inhalation during disinfectant aerosolization
- Dermal contact with treated surfaces
- Hand-to-mouth from disinfected food-contact surfaces
- Residual exposure days after cleaning application
Building Materials with Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride
Listed alphabetically — product categories where this specific substance appears.
"Antimicrobial" Wallcoverings
Antimicrobial Carpet Backing
Disinfectant Surface Cleaners (Residue)
Surface-Treated Cabinetry
Treated Mattresses & Textiles
How We Keep Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride (DDAC) & Quats Out of a House
Avoiding Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride (DDAC) & Quats is only half of it. The replacement has to work in a mold free, airtight, PHPP-modeled assembly as well — and finding materials that do both is most of what we do.
If you want a house specified this way from the start, or an existing house assessed for what is already in it, that is the work we do. Earth Bound Homes builds in Atherton, Palo Alto, Redwood City and across the San Francisco Bay Area.