Cleaning products make asthma and bronchitis worse

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new study suggests that domestic cleaners' lung health is affected by the products they use.
Cleaning products like bleach need to be handled with care because they are corrosive. Now a team at the Respiratory and Environmental Health Research Unit, Barcelona, Spain reveals that such products may have an adverse effect on lung health.

They looked at a group of 43 women who worked as domestic cleaners and who had asthma dn chronic bronchitis symptoms. They had them keep a two week diary of both symptoms and cleaning activities, as well as the cleaning products that were used. Symptoms like chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath and cough were more severe during working days, particularly when cleaning for more than eight hours. Symptoms were also linked to days when the volunteers were using bleach, degreasing sprays and air fresheners. These women were professional cleaners, but there may be lessons here for those doing everyday housework. If you have asthma or bronchitis, it may be wise to check on the cleaning products you use.

Source
European Respiratory Journal June 2006

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