Acute symptoms associated with chemical exposures and safe work practices among hospital and campus cleaning workers: A pilot study

Lee, Soo Jeong; Nam, Bora; Harrison, Robert J.; Hong, OiSaeng

doi:10.1002/ajim.22376

Cited by 32 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…In EGEA, lifetime exposure to cleaning products was associated with severe and non-allergic asthma 11 . In the four identified workplace-based studies among healthcare workers and cleaners [33][34][35][36] , exposure to cleaning agents or disinfectants was based on self-report, except in one survey in which exposure estimates were enhanced by an evaluation of products compounds 33 . In a French study of hospital workers, a higher risk of asthma was observed among nurses compared to administrative staff, especially for those exposed to quaternary ammonium compounds 33 .…”

Section: Cleaning Agentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In a Polish study, almost 60% of the cleaners had work-related allergic symptoms, although skin prick tests and specific IgE antibodies to disinfectants were negative for all subjects 34 . In a U.S. survey, self-reported work-related symptoms were associated with exposure to multi-purpose cleaning products 35 . Finally, results from a two-week panel study among cleaners in Spain, suggested that short-term exposure to irritant cleaning products may exacerbate asthma, especially among non-atopic cleaners 36 .…”

Section: Cleaning Agentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Do chronic workplace irritant exposures cause asthma?

Dumas

Moual

2016

Current Opinion in Allergy &Amp; Clinical Immunology

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Evidence of a causal effect of chronic workplace irritant exposure in new-onset asthma remains limited, mainly because of a lack of longitudinal studies and the difficulty to evaluate irritant exposures. However, recent epidemiological studies strengthen the evidence of an effect of chronic exposure to irritants in work-related asthma. The underlying mechanism remains unknown but may be related to oxidative stress, neurogenic inflammation and dual irritant and adjuvant effects. However, disentangling chronic irritant effects from either acute irritant-induced asthma or immunological low molecular weight agent-induced asthma is difficult for some agents. Further research is needed to improve assessment of irritant exposures and identify biomarkers.

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Section: Cleaning Agentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Cleaning Agentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do chronic workplace irritant exposures cause asthma?

Dumas

Moual

2016

Current Opinion in Allergy &Amp; Clinical Immunology

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“…The high frequency of eye exposures (60% of all calls) indicates that safety glasses are not always used, which was supported by the follow-up interviews. Infrequent use of protective equipment has also been noted among hospital cleaners [16]. In a number of cases, protective equipment was available to the participants but nevertheless not used.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many cleaning products are classified as corrosives and irritants [14]. A pilot study on hospital cleaners noted that symptoms of irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract were frequent; 21.3% experienced such symptoms daily or several times per week and only 43.7% reported no such symptoms in the past 12 months [16]. The focus of cleaning agents' chemical hazards often lies on the long-term effects.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calls made to the Poisons Information Centre reveal need for improved risk management of cleaning agents in the workplace

Schenk

Feychting

Annas

et al. 2019

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

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Purpose. This study aimed to investigate chemical injuries caused by cleaning agents and disinfectants by reviewing poison control data. Methods. We performed a 5-year retrospective analysis of calls to the Swedish Poisons Information Centre (PIC) concerning occupational use of cleaning agents and disinfectants. In addition, callers for 17 new cases were interviewed. Results. Out of 8240 occupationally related cases handled by the PIC during 2010-2014, 24% concerned cleaning agents and disinfectants (N = 1983). Of these, one-third were classified as major risk cases, generally due to potential for corrosive eye and skin injuries. The most frequent type of workplace was restaurants and caterers. However, information about occupation was only identifiable for 30% of the cases. Follow-up interviews exemplify how limited awareness of safety data sheets and disregard of protective equipment may contribute to health-related outcomes such as absence at work. Conclusions. Management and prevention strategies for cleaning agents should be improved. PIC records hold relevant information both for designing interventions and for future research on occupational health and safety management. We suggest that systematic collection by the PIC of information on occupation and age would further improve the usefulness for occupational injury surveillance purposes.

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“…(10) Chemical exposures in the workplace have been linked to adverse health effects such as respiratory (e.g., stuffy nose and cough), ocular (e.g., watery, itchy, or burning eyes), and dermal symptoms (e.g., rash and itchy or burning skin). (11, 12) Some occupational chemical exposures have also been linked to increased risk for cancer (e.g., skin cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer). (13) Studies have also shown that occupational outdoor work is associated with increased sunlight exposure, which in turn has led to an increase risk of skin cancer.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical and Physical Exposures in the Emerging US Green-Collar Workforce

Chen

Moore

Fernandez

et al. 2017

Journal of Occupational &Amp; Environmental Medicine

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Objective “Green collar” workers serve in occupations that directly improve environmental quality and sustainability. This study estimates and compares the prevalence of select physical and chemical exposures among green versus non-green U.S. workers. Methods Data from the U.S. 2010 National Health Interview Survey(NHIS) Occupational Health Supplement were linked to the Occupational Information Network(O*NET) Database. We examined four main exposures:1)vapors, gas, dust, fumes(VGDF);2)secondhand tobacco smoke;3)skin hazards;4)outdoor work. Results Green collar workers were significantly more likely to report exposure to VGDF and outdoor work than non-green collar workers(Adjusted Odds Ratio[AOR]=1.25; 95% CI=1.11–1.40; AOR=1.44(1.26–1.63), respectively). Green collar workers were less likely to be exposed to chemicals(AOR=0.80; 0.69–0.92). Conclusions Green collar workers appear to be at greater risk for select workplace exposures. As the green industry continues to grow, it is important to identify these occupational hazards in order to maximize worker health.

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Acute symptoms associated with chemical exposures and safe work practices among hospital and campus cleaning workers: A pilot study

Abstract: Study findings suggest a need for additional interventions such as use of less toxic products to reduce health risks among cleaning workers.

Cited by 32 publications

References 38 publications

Do chronic workplace irritant exposures cause asthma?

Do chronic workplace irritant exposures cause asthma?

Calls made to the Poisons Information Centre reveal need for improved risk management of cleaning agents in the workplace

Chemical and Physical Exposures in the Emerging US Green-Collar Workforce

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