For years, doctors have warned professional cleaners of the risk of occupational asthma from regular exposure to common cleaning agents. But now, women who’ve kept their amateur status in house-cleaning may have a new reason to stay in bed. According to new research published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, household cleaning increases upper respiratory symptoms in women without asthma, and both upper and lower respiratory symptoms in women with asthma.
The study followed 44 women, ranging in age from 18-65, all of who were the primary cleaners in their households. 25 women with asthma cleaned for 1.5 hours a day while 19 women without asthma cleaned for 1.8 hours a day.
All of the women experienced upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as sneezing and runny noses, after cleaning, while the women with asthma experienced lower respiratory tract symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
Does this mean all female homemakers should immediately go on strike?
While the findings indicate exposure to household cleaning agents exacerbates symptoms in those already diagnosed with asthma, the researchers point out that more studies are needed to determine whether an association can be drawn between exposure to household cleaning agents by non-professional cleaners and the development of asthma.
The upshot? Ladies, don’t pick up those picket signs just yet.
Related Links:
Understanding Asthma from Illumistream
What Is Asthma? from The Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Alternative Cleaning Agents About Cleaning Products
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