Close X
Monday, November 25, 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

    Canola Oil May Be Key To Healthy Lifestyle, Here Are The Top 5 Benefits

    Canola Oil May Be Key To Healthy Lifestyle, Here Are The Top 5 Benefits
    When you decide to stay fit and adopt a healthy diet, check out the cooking oil you're using as it might hold the key to a healthy lifestyle. 

    Canola Oil May Be Key To Healthy Lifestyle, Here Are The Top 5 Benefits

    Weight-loss Surgery Boosts Sex Life Too

    Weight-loss Surgery Boosts Sex Life Too
    The popular weight-loss surgery not only makes you look fit and healthy but can also bring spark back in your bedroom life, reveals a study.

    Weight-loss Surgery Boosts Sex Life Too

    How To Combat Your Hangover The Natural Way

    How To Combat Your Hangover The Natural Way
    Eat ginger and stay hydrated to get over your hangover naturally. Nutritionist Jacquie Newson doles out tips on how one can remain fine after a few drinks.

    How To Combat Your Hangover The Natural Way

    Here's How To Live Longer Without Cutting Calorie Intake

    Here's How To Live Longer Without Cutting Calorie Intake
    You may get a long and healthy life simply by balancing your protein and carbohydrate intake, without drastically cutting down your calorie intake.

    Here's How To Live Longer Without Cutting Calorie Intake

    Cancer Cases To Rise 40% By 2030; Aging Population Fuel Increase: Report

    Cancer Cases To Rise 40% By 2030; Aging Population Fuel Increase: Report
    TORONTO — The annual number of new cancer diagnoses in Canada will increase by 40 per cent by 2030, the Canadian Cancer Society predicted in a report released Wednesday.

    Cancer Cases To Rise 40% By 2030; Aging Population Fuel Increase: Report

    Indian-Origin Scientist Latha Venkataraman Creates First Single-Molecule Device

    Indian-Origin Scientist Latha Venkataraman Creates First Single-Molecule Device
    A team of Columbia Engineering researchers led by an Indian-American scientist Latha Venkataraman has created a single-molecule electronic device which has a potential of real-world technological applications for nanoscale devices.

    Indian-Origin Scientist Latha Venkataraman Creates First Single-Molecule Device