Cleaning Products Commonly Used in Oklahoma Family Child Care Homes: Implications for Respiratory Risk and Children’s Health

Abstract

Little is known about the cleaning products used by early care and education programs that contribute to childhood asthma, particularly in Oklahoma where rates of uncontrolled asthma are higher than national rates (60.0% vs. 50.3%, respectively). We conducted a cross-sectional study of cleaning products used by Oklahoma-licensed family child care homes (FCCHs) (n = 50) to characterize and identify potential respiratory-health risks associated with chemical contents. Overall, 386 chemicals were abstracted from the 132 reported products. Of these, 100 unique chemicals were identified. Four percent (4.2%) of providers used a product with a sensitizer that may cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled and 35.4% used a product with an irritant that may cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Most (62.5%) reported using a product with a chemical that had a C=C double bond in its molecular structure that may make it highly reactive with other substances in the air and produce secondary air pollutants and 83.3% reported using a sodium hypochlorite containing product. Twenty-three percent reported products that contain carcinogens. Policy, educational, and technical assistance interventions are needed to promote the use of safer products and reduce respiratory and other health risks posed by chemicals in Oklahoma FCCHs.

Environmental contaminants and child development: Developmentally‐informed opportunities and recommendations for integrating and informing child environmental health science

“…It is important to consider how these developmental achievements may also result in increased risk for exposures. Physical contexts in the CSE can also carry developmentally‐specific risks, such as the use of toxic cleaning products in daycares (Alkon et al., 2022 ; Querdibitty et al., 2022 ) or poor indoor air quality (Gilden et al., 2021 ).…”

Enhancing pediatric asthma management through multifaceted health education

“…Research indicates that the effectiveness of family-centered intervention strategies exceeds that of traditional nursing practices[ 5 ]. Within this intervention framework, the role of family support not only supplements professional healthcare but also underscores the importance of a nurturing family environment and a thorough understanding of asthma[ 6 ]. This approach includes acquiring essential skills for managing asthma exacerbations and regulating the child’s lifestyle and dietary habits.…”

“…This approach includes acquiring essential skills for managing asthma exacerbations and regulating the child’s lifestyle and dietary habits. Therefore, implementing a comprehensive health education model is crucial in the treatment plan for pediatric asthma, highlighting the focus of this study on evaluating the efficacy and outcomes of such an educational approach in managing pediatric outpatient bronchial asthma[ 5 , 6 ].…”

Assessment of Air and Water Quality in the Surroundings of School Environment: Its Relation to Mosquito Population and Environmental Health

“…Additionally, the growth of mosquito populations presents a severe problem as mosquitoes can act as vectors for diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, posing a threat to the school community's health [4]. Poor water and air quality can lead to serious health issues for students, school staff, and the surrounding community.…”

“…Schools, as environments where vulnerable populations like children spend a significant amount of their time, expose them to water and air pollution daily. Long-term exposure to pollutants can cause respiratory disorders, skin irritations, and other illnesses that negatively impact their health [3,4]. The growth of mosquito populations also complicates this situation.…”