Cleaning Products and Work-Related Asthma

Abstract

To describe the characteristics of individuals with work-related asthma associated with exposure to cleaning products, data from the California-, Massachusetts-, Michigan-, and New Jersey state-based surveillance systems of work-related asthma were used to identify cases of asthma associated with exposure to cleaning products at work. From 1993 to 1997, 236 (12%) of the 1915 confirmed cases of work-related asthma identified by the four states were associated with exposure to cleaning products. Eighty percent of the reports were of new-onset asthma and 20% were work-aggravated asthma. Among the new-onset cases, 22% were consistent with reactive airways dysfunction syndrome. Individuals identified were generally women (75%), white non-Hispanic (68%), and 45 years or older (64%). Their most likely exposure had been in medical settings (39%), schools (13%), or hotels (6%), and they were most likely to work as janitor/cleaners (22%), nurse/nurses' aides (20%), or clerical staff (13%). However, cases were reported with exposure to cleaning products across a wide range of job titles. Cleaning products contain a diverse group of chemicals that are used in a wide range of industries and occupations as well as in the home. Their potential to cause or aggravate asthma has recently been recognized. Further work to characterize the specific agents and the circumstances of their use associated with asthma is needed. Additional research to investigate the frequency of adverse respiratory effects among regular users, such as housekeeping staff, is also needed. In the interim, we recommend attention to adequate ventilation, improved warning labels and Material Safety Data Sheets, and workplace training and education.

Health hazard evaluation report: evaluation of exposure to a new cleaning and disinfection product and symptoms in hospital employees.

“…The results of our evaluation are consistent with previous studies that have reported an increased risk for dermatitis, chronic bronchitis and work-related rhinitis and asthma in workers exposed to cleaning and disinfectant chemicals [Maçãira et al 2007;Rosenman et al 2003;Vizcaya et al 2011;Charles, Loomis, and Demissie 2009]. We observed health effects in cleaning staff at exposure levels below established occupational exposure limits.…”

Work-related respiratory symptoms among health centres cleaners: A cross-sectional study

“…Eighty two (57%) still unclear. The results of the so far conducted research indicate a higher risk of allergic respiratory diseases among cleaners, especially of the new-onset occupational asthma and exacerbations of pre-existing asthma [3,4]. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of symptoms suggesting the presence of work-related respiratory disease reported by Polish cleaners of health centres, and to relate them to the results of commercially available and standardized objective tests used for screening detection of occupational sensitization and chronic respiratory disorders.…”

Health Problems and Health Seeking Behaviour of Hospital Cleaners in a Tertiary Health Facility in South West Nigeria

“…These were also found in some previous studies in America, Britain and Nigeria. (Rosenman et al, 2003, Medina-Ramon et al, 2003, Bello et al, 2009, Imperial College London, 2013, Zock, 2005, Delcos et al, 2006, Orji et al, 2002 The skin lesions may have resulted from insect bite to which these workers are exposed to especially when they are on night shifts while the asthmatic symptoms are due their exposure to dusty particles while doing their work. Other health problems found in this study which were not reported in previous studies include eye problems, burns and upper respiratory infections.…”