Hospital cleaning products and disinfectants increase nurses’ asthma risk
25 January 2009

Regular exposure to hospital cleaning products and disinfectants significantly increases nurses’ risks of developing asthma, according to research.

Dr Ahmed Arif and colleagues looked at data from 3,650 healthcare professionals, including 941 nurses, working in Texas, USA.

They divided occupational exposures into four categories: regular use of cleaning products, the use of powdered latex gloves, the administration of aerosol treatments and use of solvents or glues.

The researchers found that nurses who used powdered latex gloves before the year 2000 were 6% more likely to have been diagnosed with asthma since starting their job than their other healthcare colleagues.

Those who regularly cleaned medical instruments were 67% more likely to report a diagnosis of asthma since starting their job, while nurses who were regularly exposed to general cleaning products and disinfectants were 72% more likely.

Those nurses working with solvents and glues used in patient care were also 51% more likely to say they had symptoms similar to asthma.

Dr Elaine Vickers, Research Relations Manager at Asthma UK said: ‘This is a real problem as we know that up to 3,000 people in Britain develop occupational asthma each year. This study adds to previous research showing that nurses are at risk.

‘We are actively encouraging all employers to safeguard their employees’ health by reducing their exposure to potential asthma risks. We advise that where possible, solid or liquid cleaning products should be used instead of sprays and that using as little of the product as possible and opening windows can also make a big difference.
 
‘Anyone worried about the risks of developing asthma at work should speak to their doctor or call the Asthma UK Adviceline on 08457 01 02 03.’