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Cleaning products and work-related asthma
Kenneth D Rosenman1, Mary Jo Reilly, Donald P Schill
1Michigan State University, 117 West Fee Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. Rosenman@msu.edu
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|May 24, 2003
Summary
Workplace cleaning product exposure caused new or worsened asthma in 236 individuals. Most affected were women over 45, often working in healthcare or schools, highlighting the need for better workplace safety.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Work-related asthma (WRA) is a significant occupational health concern.
- Cleaning products contain diverse chemicals with recognized potential to cause or exacerbate asthma.
- Surveillance data is crucial for understanding the epidemiology of WRA.
Observation:
- From 1993-1997, 236 cases (12%) of WRA were linked to cleaning product exposure across four US states.
- Eighty percent of cases were new-onset asthma, with 22% consistent with reactive airways dysfunction syndrome.
- Affected individuals were predominantly women (75%), white non-Hispanic (68%), aged 45+, and often employed in medical settings, schools, or hotels.
Findings:
- Janitorial/cleaning staff (22%), nurses/aides (20%), and clerical workers (13%) were most frequently affected.
- Exposure occurred across a broad spectrum of job titles, indicating widespread risk.
- The study identified key demographic and occupational characteristics of individuals with cleaning product-related asthma.
Implications:
- Further research is needed to identify specific causative agents and exposure circumstances.
- Investigating the frequency of respiratory effects in regular users like housekeeping staff is essential.
- Interim recommendations include improved ventilation, labeling, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and workplace training.