Close X
Tuesday, November 5, 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

    Eating Raw Fruits Can Lead To Poor Semen Quality

    Eating Raw Fruits Can Lead To Poor Semen Quality
    Do you love strawberries, spinach or apple? Wash them properly before consuming especially if you are a man and plan for babies.

    Eating Raw Fruits Can Lead To Poor Semen Quality

    Canada's Gross Domestic Product Fell 0.1 Per Cent In January: Statistics Canada

    OTTAWA — The Canadian economy took a step back in January, but the 0.1 per cent decline in gross domestic product was a slightly better result than economists had expected. 

    Canada's Gross Domestic Product Fell 0.1 Per Cent In January: Statistics Canada

    Domestic Violence Leaves Mental Scars As Well

    Besides physical injuries, victims of domestic violence are also at a greater risk of mental health problems such as depression and psychotic symptoms, highlights a new study.

    Domestic Violence Leaves Mental Scars As Well

    Have Peanuts With Meal To Ward Off Heart Diseases

    Have Peanuts With Meal To Ward Off Heart Diseases
    Peanuts can be substituted for high-fat, nutrient-poor foods in the diet that contain solid fats, said the study recently presented at the American Society for Nutrition's 79th scientific sessions and annual meeting in Boston.

    Have Peanuts With Meal To Ward Off Heart Diseases

    Forget The Proverb: An Apple A Day Doesn't Necessarily Keep The Doctor Away, New Study Finds

    Forget The Proverb: An Apple A Day Doesn't Necessarily Keep The Doctor Away, New Study Finds
    CHICAGO — An apple a day doesn't necessarily keep the doctor away. That's according to proverb-busting research that found daily apple eaters had just as many doctor visits as those who ate fewer or no apples.

    Forget The Proverb: An Apple A Day Doesn't Necessarily Keep The Doctor Away, New Study Finds

    Don't Use Weight Loss Drugs, Surgery In Young Children, Family Docs Told

    Don't Use Weight Loss Drugs, Surgery In Young Children, Family Docs Told
    TORONTO — New expert advice on treating children and teens who are overweight or obese says family doctors should not prescribe weight loss drugs to young children, nor should they routinely suggest weight loss surgeries.

    Don't Use Weight Loss Drugs, Surgery In Young Children, Family Docs Told