FINDING 3:
Cleaning at home can be just as harmful as being an occupational cleaner.
The ECRHS III survey categorised participants as “not cleaning,” “cleaning at home,” and “occupational cleaning.” While the “not cleaning” subset of women saw only expected, age-related change in lung capacity, the “cleaning at home” group saw the same decreases in lung health as “occupational cleaning.” How could this be the case when cleaning professionals are using cleaning products on a daily, ongoing basis, versus someone performing chores less frequently in their own home? First, consider that occupational cleaners are most often required to use protective gloves, clothing, and even masks while performing their duties. Those at home casually disregard warning labels and use cleaning products without adequate protection. Additionally, professional cleaners move from room to room, working in larger spaces with better ventilation than someone at home.
FINDING 2:
Women are affected far more than men.
Though there was a clear correlation between women who cleaned and respiratory illness, there was no similar correlation for men. While the scientists pointed out that the total number of men regularly using household cleaning products was significantly lower than women, the study summary also points out previous research that elaborates on the increased sensitivity of the female respiratory system. While not completely unaffected, male lungs have been proven to endure greater exposure to environmental pollutants—including cigarette smoke and wood dust— before experiencing a similar drop in lung capacity. 2,3,4
FINDING 4:
Non-spray cleaners may be as dangerous as sprays.
Study researchers originally suspected that products delivered through a spray or mist would prove more dangerous than those applied as a liquid, gel, or wipe. Surprisingly, the study found no significant difference between cleaner delivery types. The implication is that the chemicals in liquid cleaners become just as available for inhalation through evaporation as those used in sprays.
This finding is particularly concerning considering women engage with cleaning products more frequently than men.
20 SEPTEMBER 2018 | MELALEUCA.COM
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