When most people think about the risks to lung health, cigarette smoke, pollution, and workplace hazards come to mind. Rarely would a freshly cleaned home or the act of cleaning itself raise any alarm.
However, a groundbreaking Norwegian study has raised eyebrows across the scientific and health communities by revealing a startling connection between regular house cleaning and long-term damage to lung function.
The study's findings suggest that people who frequently use cleaning sprays and chemical products may be unknowingly harming their lungs, with effects comparable to smoking a pack of 20 cigarettes a day.
The Study That Changed Our View of Cleaning
Published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the study was conducted by researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway. It followed over 6,000 individuals, primarily women, for a period of 20 years.
These participants were categorized into groups based on their cleaning habits, whether they cleaned at home or professionally, and how often they used chemical-based cleaning agents.
The researchers found that over the two decades, individuals who regularly cleaned, especially with sprays and strong chemical products, experienced a marked decline in lung function.
This decline was measured using standard pulmonary function tests like FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) and FVC (forced vital capacity).
Shockingly, the rate of decline in lung capacity among frequent cleaners was equivalent to what would be expected in someone smoking a pack of cigarettes daily over the same period.
How Cleaning Affects the Lungs
So how exactly does something as seemingly harmless as cleaning impact lung health so severely? According to the study and subsequent medical commentary, it’s the chemicals in cleaning products, especially those in spray form, that are the culprits.
Common substances such as ammonia, chlorine, and quaternary ammonium compounds release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other reactive substances into the air. When inhaled, these particles irritate the delicate tissues in the lungs.
Over time, repeated exposure leads to inflammation, micro-scarring, and a gradual degradation of lung tissue. The risk is exacerbated in enclosed spaces where ventilation is poor, and the chemical particles linger in the air.
While short-term exposure may cause symptoms like coughing or wheezing, long-term exposure can significantly reduce lung function and increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Women More at Risk than Men
One of the more intriguing findings of the study was the disproportionate effect on women. Female participants, especially those who cleaned as part of their profession, experienced significantly higher lung function decline compared to men in similar roles.
While the exact reason for this gender difference isn’t fully understood, researchers speculate that biological differences in airway size or hormonal factors may play a role.
Another consideration is societal norms, women are statistically more likely to handle the bulk of household cleaning tasks, especially in older age groups. This increased exposure, coupled with potential physiological susceptibility, makes lung damage a particular concern for women.
Implications for Professional Cleaners
The risks are even more pronounced for those who clean professionally. Workers who spend years exposed to cleaning chemicals in offices, hospitals, or private homes face daily exposure that compounds over time.
Unlike occasional home cleaners, professional cleaners are at a higher risk due to the sheer frequency and duration of contact with harmful substances.
In some countries, occupational health guidelines now recommend better ventilation and the use of protective equipment such as masks or gloves. But compliance varies, and many workers are unaware of the long-term risks.
Safer Alternatives
Thankfully, the study’s authors and health experts don’t suggest that people stop cleaning altogether. Rather, they advocate for smarter and safer cleaning practices.
Reducing the use of aerosol sprays, avoiding harsh chemicals, and opting for natural alternatives such as vinegar, baking soda, or microfiber cloths can make a significant difference.
Proper ventilation during cleaning and using protective equipment when necessary are also strongly encouraged.
For households, this may mean reevaluating cleaning habits, reading product labels more carefully, and being more mindful of indoor air quality. For employers in cleaning industries, it's a call to prioritize the safety of their workers through training and proper health safeguards.
