Close X
Saturday, November 23, 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

    Bad Cold Becomes Worse When You're Lonely

    Bad Cold Becomes Worse When You're Lonely
    People who feel lonely are more prone to report that their cold symptoms are more severe than those who have stronger social bonds, said the study published in the journal Health Psychology.

    Bad Cold Becomes Worse When You're Lonely

    Insomniac? This Ancient Ayurvedic Herb May Improve Sleep

    Do you find it difficult to sleep or have poor sleep quality? Try Ashwagandha, an ancient Indian herb that is used for centuries in Ayurveda to promote sound sleep, say researchers, led by one of Indian-origin.

    Insomniac? This Ancient Ayurvedic Herb May Improve Sleep

    Mother's Hug May Boost Immunity, Health Of Baby

    Mother's Hug May Boost Immunity, Health Of Baby
    A mother's hug can boost immunity, stabilise heart rate and maintain body temperature of the baby, say doctors in a survey which shows that an embrace does more than simply putting a smile on your little one's face.

    Mother's Hug May Boost Immunity, Health Of Baby

    South Asian Women More At Risk Of Osteoporosis: Study

    South Asian Women More At Risk Of Osteoporosis: Study
    Pre-menopausal women of South Asian origin might be more at risk of developing osteoporosis in later life, owing to higher levels of a by-product of bone resorption, a new study in the journal Bone reports.

    South Asian Women More At Risk Of Osteoporosis: Study

    Zero Pollution May Spike Asthma In Kids

    Zero Pollution May Spike Asthma In Kids
    In a shocking revelation, Canadian researchers have found that children with access to clean drinking water may be at an increased risk of developing asthma in childhood than those who do not.

    Zero Pollution May Spike Asthma In Kids

    Say Goodbye To Cold With Home Remedies

    Say Goodbye To Cold With Home Remedies
    We share a few simple remedies to cure a common cold and be healthy and rejuvenated through the season:

    Say Goodbye To Cold With Home Remedies