Chemical Exposure and Health Symptoms Among Cleaning Workers: A Pilot Study

Background: Cleaning workers are at risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals such as corrosives, irritants, sensitizers, or neurotoxic agents from cleaning tasks. Limited studies assessed symptoms associated with chemical exposure among cleaning workers. The purpose of this study was to identify chemical-related symptoms and risk factors among cleaning workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 183 cleaning workers (participation rate: 49%) in a university hospital and a health sciences campus in Northern California. Data on demographics, job characteristics, chemical exposures, and chemical-related symptoms were collected by face-to-face interviews or self-administered questionnaires. Results: Fifty-six percent of the participants reported having experienced chemical-related symptoms during the past 12 months (13% daily, 8% weekly, 15% monthly, and 20% several times a year). The most commonly reported symptoms (monthly or more frequent) were upper respiratory (26%), followed by ocular (15%), neurological (13%), and lower respiratory (12%). Hospital custodians (36%; OR=1.43, 95% CI 0.60–3.41) and workers who performed patient area cleaning (44%; OR=2.01, 95% CI 0.85–4.75) were more likely to report chemical-related symptoms, compared to campus custodians (28%). Chemical-related symptoms were significantly associated with use of carpet cleaning products (OR=3.63, 95% CI 1.48–8.86), glass cleaning agents (OR=2.26, 95% CI 1.00–5.12), tasks using spray products (OR=2.06, 95% CI 1.03–4.11), and cleaning non-surgical procedure rooms (OR=2.96, 95% CI 1.14–7.59), after adjustment for gender and job title. Conclusions: Chemical-related symptoms are prevalent among cleaning workers. Prevention strategies should target to minimize chemical exposure from tasks associated with increased symptom prevalence.