Close X
Sunday, November 24, 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

    Babies Sharing Beds With Mothers Are The Most Breastfed

    Babies Sharing Beds With Mothers Are The Most Breastfed
    Pregnant women who expressed a strong motivation to breastfeed were more likely to share the bed with their babies frequently, finds a new study.

    Babies Sharing Beds With Mothers Are The Most Breastfed

    Honey Can Destroy Harmful Fungus, Save Lives

    Honey Can Destroy Harmful Fungus, Save Lives
    Researchers from Britain have identified the effect of honey used since ancient times for the treatment of several diseases, on pathogenic fungi that can cause devastating infections in vulnerable people.

    Honey Can Destroy Harmful Fungus, Save Lives

    Undeclared Drug Tadalafil Prompts Canadawide Recall Of Sexual Enhancement Product

    Undeclared Drug Tadalafil Prompts Canadawide Recall Of Sexual Enhancement Product
    OTTAWA — Health Canada says all lots of an authorized natural health product promoted for sexual enhancement are being recalled.

    Undeclared Drug Tadalafil Prompts Canadawide Recall Of Sexual Enhancement Product

    Why India Has The World's Most Stillborn Babies

    Why India Has The World's Most Stillborn Babies
    Her pale, yellow eyes stood out against her dusky skin, and the grief was visible on the face of the young woman from a tribe of traditional honey gatherers living on the edge of south Karnataka’s Nagarhole National Park.

    Why India Has The World's Most Stillborn Babies

    How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Health

    How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Health
    In mindfullnes meditation people make a conscious, focused practice of attending to their current state and sensations.

    How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Health

    Watch out! Vacations Can Lead To Weight Gain

    Watch out! Vacations Can Lead To Weight Gain
    Planning for a vacation? Be prepared for weight gain with a heavier midsection -- extra weight that can hang around even six weeks post-vacation.

    Watch out! Vacations Can Lead To Weight Gain