Childhood Asthma Causes - Monthly Ingredient Spotlight - November 2025
Shaan Lalwani
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Welcome to this month’s Ingredient Spotlight, where we take a closer look at what’s really inside common cleaning products and what science says about their effects on our homes and health.
This month, we’re focusing on chemical exposure in early infancy, a topic close to every parent’s heart.
The Science:
How Early Exposure Affects Baby Health
Research from Simon Fraser University, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and featured on ScienceDaily, found that babies exposed to conventional cleaning products in their first three months of life were significantly more likely to develop wheezing and asthma by age three.
🧾 Key findings:
Babies in homes that used cleaning products frequently were more than twice as likely to develop recurrent wheeze.
Their risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma nearly doubled.
The study found this was due to inflammation of airway cells, not allergies, meaning these chemicals directly irritate the respiratory tract.
Since infants spend 80–90% of their time indoors, their exposure through air and surfaces is far greater than adults’.
🧪The Worst Offenders
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some of the most concerning ingredients include:
❌ Borax-based cleaners ❌ Chlorine Bleach ❌ Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats) like benzalkonium chloride found in antibacterial sprays, disinfectants, air fresheners, and fabric softeners ❌ Ethanolamines used in degreasers and glass cleaners
These ingredients are designed to “deep clean,” but in reality, they can disrupt delicate lung and skin cells — especially in newborns.
💧The Coco Custo Difference
At Coco Custo, we formulate our cleaners to perform without any of these harmful compounds. Every ingredient is: 🌿 Non-toxic 🌿 Non-bioaccumulative 🌿 Safe for even the tiniest family members
All while being powerful on dirt, grease, and everyday mess.
Because a clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of your health.