'The ubiquitous use and exposure to cleaning products emphasise the importance of clinicians being aware of the potential for respiratory toxicity. In addition, there is the need for researchers to conduct further studies to elucidate both the extent and mechanism of the respiratory toxicity associated with such products....The industrial producers and governmental regulators must improve the toxological testing of these products.'
- Professor Kenneth Rosenman, Michigan State University
The fact that many chemicals are toxic and potentially damaging to our health is not a foreign concept. But a recent study has revealed that chemical exposure could be even more detrimental to our health than initially thought, including increased chances of asthma.
One study in particular, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, found that "as many as one in seven adult asthma cases could be attributed to common spray use". According to the report, which was partly funded by the EU, "On average people regularly exposed to cleaning sprays were 30% to 50% more likely to develop asthma"
In a separate report, published by European Respiratory Journal, asserted that “Exposure of expectant mothers to cleaning chemicals results in 41 percent increased risk of asthma in children by the age of seven”. Furthermore, “Thirty percent of chemical cleaners used in schools are known to cause human health or environmental problems”.
The potentially harmful chemicals in most cleaners causes serious concern. To ensure a healthy society and a healthy planet, it is imperative to encourage future analysis and a thorough process for evaluating the health risks and hazards of detrimental cleaning agents.