Is cleaning dirty work for asthma sufferers?
June 1st 2010 Cleaning sprays, chlorine bleach and disinfectants may be contributing to the rise in asthma at home and work, according to Dr Jan-Paul Zock, an expert in occupational asthma.
He believes that there is growing evidence that exposure to some cleaning products can provoke respiratory disorders and make existing asthma worse, but that it is, however, preventable.
Associate Professor Zock from the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) in Barcelona, Spain presented the results from a range of studies into the emerging risks in occupational allergy at the congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology held in June.
He found that professional cleaners and healthcare workers performing cleaning and disinfecting work,were more vulnerable to asthma.However, it is not clear what the underlying disease mechanisms are that cause these effects on the respiratory system. Dr Zock explained that new studies have now started to characterise cleaning-related asthma using clinical and functional tests and biological markers.
Dr Zock told delegates at the congress,“The number of people at risk is very large.Not only those who have cleaning jobs or whose work involves cleaning are at risk, but we also need to consider the ubiquitous use of cleaning products at home.” A series of studies has shown that there is an increased rate of asthma among janitors, cleaners, housekeepers and nurses. Many cleaning agents are respiratory irritants and some have sensitising properties.
Inhalation exposure to bleach, ammonia, decalcifiers or other acids, solvents and stain removers more than once a week was linked to 20% rise in asthma or wheeze. Exposure is determined by frequency and duration of use, the concentration of the active ingredient and how well the room is ventilated.
It is more difficult to pinpoint the link to asthma and wheeze in the home as the exposure to cleaning products is less frequent and more complex to monitor.
The population at risk, however, is much larger including those who are already more vulnerable to the effects of chemicals in cleaning products. One of the consistent risk factors of chronic respiratory disorders among cleaners is acute inhalation involving strong irritants such as chlorine, typically caused by the mixing of incompatible cleaning products.
Dr Zock called for new studies to assess the effects of exposure to specific chemicals over time and to identify those who are most susceptible to developing asthma or making it worse in order to devise prevention strategies.
“Our research shows that cleaning-related asthma is an important public health issue and it is potentially preventable,” ended Dr Zock. More articles from Cleaning Matters: | 
