Update on effects of cleaning agents on allergy and asthma

Abstract

Background: Cleaning and disinfecting agents are widely used in modern life, in homes, schools, public places, and workplaces as well as in recreational facilities such as swimming pools. Use has been for sanitizing purposes and to assist in reduction of infection as well as for deodorizing purposes. However, adverse respiratory effects have been associated with use of cleaning products ranging from effects in infancy and early childhood up to adults at home and work. Methods: This review summarizes recent published literature on the effects of cleaning agents used pre-natally, in childhood and adult life, at home, work, and in swimming pools. Results: Several studies have indicated that there is an increased risk of developing asthma among adults with frequent exposure to cleaning products at work and in the home. Potential mechanisms include sensitization and respiratory irritant effects. Exposure to irritant chlorine by-products from swimming pools have also been associated with respiratory effects and increased risk of asthma. Potential effects from maternal exposures to cleaning products on infants, and effects on early childhood atopy are less clear. Conclusions: Exposure to cleaning agents increases relative risks of asthma among workers, and adults using these agents in the home. Risks are also increased with exposure to chlorinated by-products from swimming pools, both in adults and children. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of these associations.

Cleaning product emissions and indoor built environments: Exposure and health risk assessments from experiments under realistic indoor conditions

“…This difference from the conclusions of this HRA can be explained by differences in the selected toxicity values and the higher maximum exposures extrapolated from direct emission measurements (e.g., in the literature, no formaldehyde acute exposure exceeds 100 µg/m 3 (max: 82 µg/m 3 for a floor cleaner)). However, several reviews of the scientific literature, based on epidemiological studies mainly addressing professional uses, have shown an association between the use of cleaning products and various respiratory disorders, including an increased risk of asthma and of the intensity of associated symptoms [16,17,20,21,[58][59][60]. The strongest level of evidence relates to professional uses, but multiple studies have indicated situations of concern for household use [14,16,58,61].…”

“…Cleaning products are widely used household consumer products [4,5] that are intended to make cleaning the house easier. They constitute a specific indoor emissions source of air pollutants, e.g., carbonyl compounds, aerosols, and terpenes [2,[6][7][8][9][10], and they are a subject of concern [11][12][13][14][15], especially for children [16,17] due to the specific metabolism and vulnerabilities associated with their developing bodies [18,19]. The associated risks should be better understood [20][21][22].…”

Cleaning Tasks and Products and Asthma Among Health Care Professionals

“…9 A literature review on cleaning agents in health care settings emphasized that larger, more contemporary population-based studies of HCWs exposed to cleaning agents are needed. 34,[36][37][38][39] To assess the current prevalence of WRA among HCWs and whether changes in cleaning products exposure and tasks affected the prevalence, we conducted a population-based study of Texas HCWs and compared the findings to the 2003 study among the same target population.…”

“…However, a recent report found no change in the percentage of WRA cases associated with cleaning agents, underscoring the need to increase the knowledge of potential cleaning hazards 9 . A literature review on cleaning agents in health care settings emphasized that larger, more contemporary population-based studies of HCWs exposed to cleaning agents are needed 34,36–39 …”