A leading expert in occupational asthma has called for more research into how exposure to some cleaning products can trigger asthma.
Speaking at an international asthma conference in London, Dr Jan-Paul Zock, from the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona, stated that cleaning-related asthma is potentially preventable.
Previous research has shown that janitors, cleaners, housekeepers and nurses are at an increased risk of developing asthma, but researchers do not yet know how the chemicals affect the lungs and what can cause them to trigger asthma.
Dr Zock stated that “Not only those who have cleaning jobs or whose work involves cleaning are at risk, but we also need to consider the ubiquitous use of cleaning products at home.”
With further information on the processes involved in cleaning-related asthma, scientists could help reduce the risk of asthma at home and in the workplace.