Cleaning Products Linked to Lung Damage in Women

A new study has linked the use of common household cleaning products to lung damage in women.

A team of researchers from the University of Bergen recruited 6,000 men and women, all of whom were middle-aged, for a period of two decades. Throughout the study period, researchers monitored the participants use of cleaning products as well as their respiratory health. So, what did they find? Researchers found that female participants who used cleaning products regularly experienced the highest level of lung damage -- equivalent to that of smoking a pack of cigarettes per day.

The study, published in the Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, suggests that regular use of cleaning products harms normal lung function, especially in women. Researchers came to this conclusion after measuring participants' ability to breathe out air. Women who used cleaning products the most experienced the lowest lung capacity.

It's important to note that women in this study experienced the greatest reduction of lung capacity. Men also experienced some decline of lung function, though it was significantly less than their female counterparts.

As explained by the study's researchers, there's strong evidence linking the use of cleaning chemicals to respiratory ailments like asthma. However, the long-term effects of such chemicals remains unknown. This is study helps to shed light on the issue, indicating that regular use of otherwise common, everyday cleaning products can in fact damage the lungs and contribute to respiratory distress.

“While the short-term effects of cleaning chemicals on asthma are becoming increasingly well documented, we lack knowledge of the long-term impact. We feared that such chemicals, by steadily causing a little damage to the airways day after day, year after year, might accelerate the rate of lung function decline that occurs with age," explained lead study author Dr. Cecile Svanes when discussing the findings.

Don't assume a cleaning product is safe to use just because it's sold in stores. Cleaning products often contain a variety of harsh chemicals and toxins, some of which include phthalates, triclosan, ammonia, chlorine, sodium hydroxide and more. When using these products indoors -- where they are typically used -- these chemicals become trapped inside, contributing to airborne pollution and lowering the overall quality of air.

If you're worried about the harmful effects of cleaning products, consider using an alternative cleaning solution like vinegar or baking soda and water. While this is just one study highlighting the potential harm that cleaning products may cause, it shouldn't be taken lightly.