Silent invaders: How cockroaches are secretly poisoning the air you breathe
11/06/2025 / By Ava Grace
A new study directly links infestations to high levels of airborne cockroach allergens and bacterial toxins called endotoxins, which are shed in their feces.
When inhaled, the allergens and endotoxins trigger powerful inflammatory and allergic responses, significantly worsening conditions like asthma, especially in children.
Due to their higher food consumption for egg production, female roaches excrete nearly double the amount of endotoxin-laden feces compared to males.
The research found that only professional extermination that fully eliminates the cockroach population leads to a dramatic drop in the levels of these harmful airborne substances.
Effectively managing cockroach infestations, particularly in vulnerable communities like multi-unit housing, is critical for protecting respiratory health and removing a primary source of biological pollution.
https://www.pollution.news/2025-11-06-cockroaches-are-secretly-poisoning-air-you-breathe.html
