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

    Washington Man Identified As Victim Of Skiing Accident In Rossland, B.C.

    Washington Man Identified As Victim Of Skiing Accident In Rossland, B.C.
    A man who died after a skiing accident in British Columbia's Kootenay region has been identified as a 49-year-old man from Washington state.

    Washington Man Identified As Victim Of Skiing Accident In Rossland, B.C.

    'Zika Virus Poses Only 'Very Low' Threat To Canada' - 5 Things You need To Know

    'Zika Virus Poses Only 'Very Low' Threat To Canada' -  5 Things You need To Know
    Dr. Gregory Taylor says there have been four recent cases in Canada — two in British Columbia, one in Alberta and a newly disclosed case in Quebec, all of them involving people who recently travelled to affected areas.

    'Zika Virus Poses Only 'Very Low' Threat To Canada' - 5 Things You need To Know

    How App Helped Rural Indian Women Use Modern Contraceptives

    How App Helped Rural Indian Women Use Modern Contraceptives
    "This shows that mobile technology provides an innovative and dynamic platform for social and behaviour change communication," Velu said.

    How App Helped Rural Indian Women Use Modern Contraceptives

    Canadian Blood Services To Defer Donations From Travellers To Zika-Endemic Areas

    Canadian Blood Services will soon refuse blood donations from those who have travelled to countries where the mosquito-borne Zika virus has become widespread.

    Canadian Blood Services To Defer Donations From Travellers To Zika-Endemic Areas

    Lose Fat, Gain Muscles With Diet And Exercise

    The study has established that it is possible to achieve both -- muscles and lose fat quickly and at the same time, the researchers, from the McMaster University in Ontatrio, Canada, said.

    Lose Fat, Gain Muscles With Diet And Exercise

    5 Things To Know About The Mosquito Villain In Zika Outbreaks

    5 Things To Know About The Mosquito Villain In Zika Outbreaks
    NEW YORK — Behind the tropical disease outbreaks that have exploded in Latin America is a tiny menace that just won't go away.

    5 Things To Know About The Mosquito Villain In Zika Outbreaks