Be careful of your lungs while cleaning!
The cleanliness of the environments we live in or in is important for our health. However, cleaning products containing various chemicals should be used with caution. Experts warn, "The chemical fumes released during cleaning, such as disinfecting bathrooms and toilets or mopping floors, pose an invisible danger to your lungs. In the long run, they can lead to irreversible diseases." We spoke with Pulmonologist Dr. Seha Akduman, who stated that significant scientific research has yielded significant data on this subject, about the effects of cleaning products on lung health.
Not only the duration of exposure but also the measurements are important.
The duration of exposure to these products, whether in high or low doses, also produces different effects. Short-term exposure to high concentrations causes acute poisoning. Repeated/long-term exposure to low/moderate concentrations can lead to chronic problems (such as asthma and COPD). The general rule: Intensity + Duration of Exposure = Risk.
The riskiest times during cleaning
The highest risk generally occurs during active use/fume/gas release (especially chlorine/chloramine/chloramine, which is a chemical disinfectant, chlorine gas, high VOC (volatile organic compounds) release). These are very harmful to breathe.
However, some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and disinfectant residues in particle/aerosol form can persist in the environment for hours, during which time their respiratory effects can persist. Exposure durations and intensity increase, particularly in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Its effects are much greater in closed and small areas.
Particularly in enclosed spaces like bathrooms and restrooms, if ventilation is poor, released gases accumulate in the environment, increasing concentration. Aerosolizing sprays release more particles from the surface into the air and reach the lungs. Therefore, small/enclosed spaces magnify both the short-term acute effects and the chronic risks of repeated exposure.
What should be taken into consideration?
- Keep cleaning products out of reach of children; do not leave packaging open. Keep these products in their original packaging and do not store them in jars or bottles to avoid the risk of consuming them as a beverage.
- Avoid using strong chemicals (intensive laundry/toilet/stove openers, industrial disinfectants) as much as possible.
-Avoid spray formulations. Aerosolized products are more easily transported through the air and reach the lungs more easily.
-Read product labels and never mix two different cleaning products.
-After cleaning, open the windows and provide drafts if possible.
- Avoid breathing these products; if possible, choose fragrance-free and low-VOC labeled products.
-During cleaning, dilute the products with water, use gloves and mask, and be sure to open the windows.
- Alternative products such as white vinegar, baking soda or washing soda can also be used.
What should be done first for which symptom?
Mild irritation from exposure to cleaning products, fresh air for short-term coughs, washing eyes/face with water, and drinking plenty of fluids are also important to reduce damage to the mucous membranes.
In cases of respiratory distress, severe cough, chest pain, fainting, or altered consciousness, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. In such cases, lung damage resulting from a chemical burn-like reaction is dangerous and can lead to permanent damage and the risk of pneumonitis/acute respiratory failure, which can mimic a chemical burn.
Surveillance and, when necessary, pulmonary function tests are recommended for healthcare workers.
Which ones are more harmful?
Chlorine/sodium hypochlorite (bleach) found in bleach, and ammonia contained in glass, carpet, tile and wood cleaning products, as well as products in higher concentrations and spray form, are more toxic.
Who is most vulnerable?
Those with pre-existing respiratory disease such as asthma or COPD, young children, infants (airways smaller, inhaled dose higher per body weight), the elderly, pregnant women (indirect effects), and individuals with allergies are at higher risk to chemicals in cleaning products.
Research results
Numerous scientific studies have shown that occupational and household cleaning product use increases the risk of asthma. For example, asthma is more common in cleaning workers. Furthermore, some large studies have reported an increased risk of developing COPD in people exposed to disinfectants, such as healthcare workers. Therefore, there is growing evidence that long-term, frequent exposure increases the risk of chronic respiratory disease.
What kind of problems occur?
Within the first half hour after contact with cleaning products, burning throat, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, vomiting; at high concentrations, bronchial constriction, lung damage, and pulmonary edema may occur.
Some chemicals (especially high concentrations of chlorine) can produce delayed lung injury (e.g., edema, respiratory distress) within the first few days.
Asthma or chronic symptoms resulting from occupational exposure can develop over weeks to years. If shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, or chest pain occur after exposure, medical evaluation is necessary. Prolonged and intense exposure can cause lung cancer.
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