Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Babies Frequently Exposed To Cleaning Products At Higher Risk Of Asthma: Study

The Canadian Press, 18 Feb, 2020 05:38 PM

    VANCOUVER - New research suggests frequent exposure to common household cleaning products can increase a child's risk of developing asthma.

     

    The CHILD Cohort Study found young infants living in homes where cleaning products were used frequently were more likely to develop childhood wheeze and asthma by age three.

     

    Lead author Jaclyn Parks, a health sciences graduate student at Simon Fraser University, said the first few months of life are critical to the development of a baby's immune and respiratory systems.

     

    "The risks of recurrent wheeze and asthma were notably higher in homes with frequent use of certain products, such as liquid or solid air fresheners, plug-in deodorizers, dusting sprays, antimicrobial hand sanitizers and oven cleaners," Parks said in a release.

     

    "It may be important for people to consider removing scented spray cleaning products from their cleaning routine. We believe that the smell of a healthy home is no smell at all."

     

    The study was published Tuesday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

     

    The study used data from 2,022 children enrolled in the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development cohort study and examined their daily, weekly and monthly exposure to 26 types of household cleaners — including dishwashing and laundry detergents, cleaners, disinfectants, polishes, and air fresheners.

     

    By the age of three, 7.9 per cent of those living in homes where cleaning products were used frequently had asthma. That's compared to nearly five per cent diagnosed from homes that used low amounts of products.

     

    Data were collected between 2008 and 2015.

     

    Researchers also found the relationship between product exposure and respiratory problems was much stronger in girls than boys.

     

    Lead researcher Tim Takaro of Simon Fraser University noted infants typically spend most of their time indoors and come in regular contact with household surfaces, making them especially vulnerable to chemical exposure.

     

    The findings suggest that small, preventive changes could help families with children at risk of asthma. That could include choosing cleaning products that are not sprayed or contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are gases emitted from solids or liquids that can be found in aerosol sprays, paints, glue, cleansers and disinfectants.

     

    Health Canada recommends reducing VOC exposure, noting health effects may include breathing problems, irritation of eyes, nose and throat, and headaches.

     

    But manufacturers in Canada and the United States are not required to list all ingredients in cleaning products. Some "green" products may also contain harmful substances, said the study.

     

    The research team included experts at Simon Fraser University; the University of British Columbia; McMaster University; the University of Alberta; the University of Manitoba; the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

     

    Funding came from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Allergy, Genes and Environment Network of Centres of Excellence.

     

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    It Only Takes 30 Minutes To Feel Stronger, Thinner

    It Only Takes 30 Minutes To Feel Stronger, Thinner
    You may want to hit the gym as according to a recent study, just one 30-minute bout of exercise makes women feel stronger and thinner.

    It Only Takes 30 Minutes To Feel Stronger, Thinner

    We All Knew It, Now Its Official: French Fries Can Kill You!

    We All Knew It, Now Its Official: French Fries Can Kill You!
    Yes, it's painful but unfortunately true. Munching on those golden sticks of starchy goodness will most certainly accelerate your demise

    We All Knew It, Now Its Official: French Fries Can Kill You!

    Eat Walnuts To Feel Fuller For Longer

    People, walnuts, salmon and canola oil regularly are likely to experience favourable changes in appetite hormones associated with reduction in hunger.

    Eat Walnuts To Feel Fuller For Longer

    Study Finds If Diarrhea Serve A Purpose

    Study Finds If Diarrhea Serve A Purpose
    In a new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital, investigators explore the immune mechanism that drives diarrhea, concluding that it does play a critical role in pathogen clearance in the early stages of infection.

    Study Finds If Diarrhea Serve A Purpose

    Regular Bedtime Might Lead You To A Successful Work Life

    Regular Bedtime Might Lead You To A Successful Work Life
    Sometimes it can be hard going to the bed early. Busy work schedules, some cliffhanger moments in your favourite TV series can make you wide awake till the late hours of night.

    Regular Bedtime Might Lead You To A Successful Work Life

    Turns Out, 'Drunk You' Not That Different From 'Sober You'

    Turns Out, 'Drunk You' Not That Different From 'Sober You'
    Your personality may change when you drink, but less than you think, according to a recent study.

    Turns Out, 'Drunk You' Not That Different From 'Sober You'