Work-related asthma is associated with cleaning

Cleaning is supposed to promote health—especially prevent infections, avoid asthma exacerbations and reduce environmental triggers. But the opposite may be true. Cleaning chemicals and processes add chemicals to the environment and may pose a risk for those using them, or even those nearby. Cleaning workers have been documented with more asthma than workers in other occupations. Healthcare professionals exposed to cleaning products developed asthma. Using cleaning sprays at home has been associated with increased risk of developing new-onset asthma. The evidence from occupational studies provides valuable lessons about the hazards of cleaning products, and provides a warning about exposures that can help inform policies for schools and for development of environmentally purchasing policies.