Doing household work could give you asthma
Rushda:
October 13th, 2007
New research suggests that those who do frequent housework using cleaning sprays and air fresheners are at an increased risk from developing asthma. Though it does not seem surprising at all, this is the first time scientists have found a direct link between developing the dangerous breathing condition and the use of these substances. In fact, the research found that even using these sprays as little as once a week increases the risk.
The study has been carried out in Spain and conducted over more than 3,500 people. It has found that the more often you use cleaning sprays, the higher your risk is to develop asthma. It also found that the types of sprays which carry the greatest risk are “air fresheners, furniture cleaners and glass cleaners”, some of the most common household substances.
The researchers believe that the link is indeed a serious one, with as many as 1 in 7 of all asthma cases being likely to be caused by cleaning sprays. Indeed, the risk of getting asthma is up to 50% higher in those who use sprays than those who don’t. Though studies are still being carried out to determine what the exact cause of the risk is, it is believed that the most likely reason is that the sprays contain “irritants specific to asthma.”
The news is indeed worrying as respiratory problems can even be fatal. However, the manufacturers of the cleaning products say that there is no obvious link between use of them and asthma, and rigorous testing does go on to make sure the products are safe. But as Victoria King of Asthma UK says:
“We know that up to 25% of people exposed to chemicals, including cleaning sprays, at work will go on to develop occupational asthma. This report also highlights significant findings regarding the link between asthma and the use of spray cleaning products in the home. Although further research is needed, we do already know that air fresheners and bleach trigger symptoms in people who already have asthma.”
As someone who has regularly suffered from asthma, I can fully appreciate how serious the condition can be, and I urge keen cleaners to be cautious!