Dangers of Air Duct Cleaning Chemicals

Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide to the inside of your ducts to kill bacteria (germs), and fungi (mold) and prevent future biological growth.   Careful consideration should be taken before allowing the application of chemicals within your air ducts.  Due to the varying ranges of temperature, humidity and air turbulence there are very few chemicals that are approved for the use within ventilation systems.

Chemical Off Gassing

Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in cleaning and sanitizing products.  Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.   Even a nearly odorless material can cause significant problems when re-circulated through air ducts in a closed environment.  VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.

NADCA’s Position Regarding the Use of Antimicrobials

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association’s new position regarding the use of antimicrobial chemicals is as follows: “At this point in time, until EPA clarifies their position, NADCA does not recommend the use of any sanitizer or disinfectant products in air ducts.” This position was adopted to generate awareness among NADCA members of the potential legal liabilities they face by selling and applying antimicrobial chemicals. This is strictly a matter of managing legal risks. NADCA’s position deals specifically with sanitizers and disinfectants, not with any other product claims. Also, this position covers only air ducts, not HVAC components such as coils

No EPA Registered Products for Fiberglass Air Ducts

There are no products that are currently registered by EPA as biocides for use on fiberglass duct board or fiberglass lined ducts so it is important to determine if sections of your system contain these materials before permitting the application of any biocide.

If  You Choose to Use Chemicals in your Air Duct Cleaning Project

  • Review the product sheet showing usage and application of the product.
  • Review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to understand if chemicals will cause any health or property concerns.
  • Review the Fact sheet on the product classification being applied.

If You Have a Problem Related to Chemicals Applied Within Your Air Ducts

  • Open doors and windows to ventilate the area with fresh air.
  • Operate the fan of the HVAC system
  • Exit the premises if negatively affected.
  • Contact and Industrial Hygienist to discuss the problem.  Be sure to have a copy of the MSDS.

Green Air Duct Cleaning


Green air duct cleaners employ advanced methods and materials specifically for green cleaning.   They make an extra effort to not allow any dust to escape outdoors or indoors, and only use natural cleaning products.

Clean & Maintained Air Duct Cleaning Equipment

Green air duct cleaning companies ensure that equipment is cleaned and maintained to prevent introducing contaminants into the home or business.  HEPA vacuums require routine inspection to ensure that the filter is properly sealed and operating at peak performance.  HEPA filtered vacuums to prevent dust from being re-released into the air.

No Dust Escapes

No dust should enter your home or be released outside during the air duct cleaning process. Green air duct cleaning companies use source removal cleaning procedures to mechanically agitate and HEPA vacuum debris from the wall of the air ducts.

Green Cleaning Products

Cleaning solvents are needed to clean debris air vent vent registers and furnace components.  Only non-toxic, biodegradable, non-corrosive, non-flammable, environmentally safe cleaning products are to be used.

Limited Use of Sanitizers

Sanitizing agents should  ONLY be used if there is microbial problem. Any sanitizer used in the HVAC system must be specifically registered by the EPA or other applicable regulatory agency for the use in HVAC systems.

Never Use Scented Sprays

Green air duct cleaning companies never use scented spays within air ducts.  A proper cleaning of the air vents will remove the debris harboring the odor.  Scented sprays mask odors, and can potentially cause an adverse reaction to home or building occupants.