A workforce-based study of occupational exposures and asthma symptoms in cleaning workers

Abstract

Cleaning work in places with high demand for disinfection, high cleaning standards and use of cleaning products containing respiratory irritants is associated with higher risk of asthma symptoms. This suggests irritants have an important role in cleaning-related asthma.

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.…”

EAACI position paper: irritant‐induced asthma

“…A more detailed analysis in this population showed that reporting bias could not be discarded; individuals with any respiratory problems at baseline were more likely to report inhalation incidents 9 years later (41). Cross-sectional studies also found that asthmatics more often had a history of single high exposure to irritant cleaning products than healthy controls (42)(43)(44). A population-based study in Northern Europe documented an increased asthma risk in men with a history of accidental peak exposure to irritants (45).…”

“…The most persuasive evidence for chronic IIA related to chronic moderate irritant exposure asthma is provided by the epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to cleaning agents (47). The frequent use of bleach (hypochlorite), ammonia, and degreasing sprays has been consistently associated with asthma among workers exposed to cleaning agents (42,44,48), although the precise chemical exposures and the mechanisms responsible for the increased incidence of asthma have not been clarified since cleaning materials typically contain a wide variety of ingredients, some of which are respiratory irritants, while others are potential airway sensitizers (Table 6). Other occupations associated with increased risk of asthma that cannot be readily or completely explained on the basis of a clear sensitizing exposure are presented in Table 6 (47,(49)(50)(51)(52)(53)(54)(55)(56).…”

Significado de cargas no trabalho sob a ótica de operacionais de limpeza

“…(19) Similar results were found in research conducted in Spain in which a significant association was observed between cleaning products and symptoms of asthma in cleaning professionals. (20) Another investigation of hospital cleaning professionals conducted in Canada identified that understanding the beliefs and behaviors of these professionals is fundamental in planning strategies for training people in these position, envisaging benefits for all professionals involved. (21) Hence, to prevent the health of workers in health institutions according to what is stated in regulation NR-32, it is the employers' duty to provide enough PPE for professionals, guarantee the quality of the equipment, and train profes-sionals on how to use the equipment.…”