Exposure to mixtures of cleaning products is linked to asthma and lung function deficits.

Abstract

Background: Exposure to cleaning products (CPs) may harm the lungs, mainly through inhalation. However, the impacts of mixtures of multiple CPs, rather than individual exposures, have not previously been investigated. Aims and objectives: We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association between exposure to multiple CPs at home and/or in the workplace on asthma, COPD and lung function. Method(s): Participants from the Australia arm of the third follow up of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (mean age 55 years, N=318) answered an interviewer-administered survey on exposure to CPs in the past 12 months. CPs included bleach, ammonia, stain removers, acids, atomiser or aerosol sprays, chemicals, and polishes. Asthma (survey) and lung function (spirometry) were measured. Latent class analysis characterised patterns of exposure. Adjusted regression models assessed associations. Result(s): We identified four profiles of exposure to CPs including "Bleach, spray and stain removers", "Bleach and spray", "Spray" and "least exposed". The most exposed profile "Bleach, spray and stain removers" was associated with increased risks of current asthma (OR=2.71, 95%CI 1.05-6.96), and reduced pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV1 and FVC compared with the "least exposed" reference profile. Borderline associations were seen for those in the "Bleach and spray" profile, and no strong associations were found for the "spray" only exposed profile. No associations were seen for spirometry defined COPD. Conclusion(s): We found evidence of 4 distinct CP exposure profiles. These had increasing associations with adverse respiratory outcomes for more exposed profiles. Further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.