We fear bacteria and dirt. We should also be afraid of cleaning products. An unpleasant strong smell of chlorine or other substances is not a sign of cleanliness. It can be a harbinger of future health problems. What has science found out about regular cleaning?
Home like a box
You probably don’t even realize it, but daily cleaning doesn’t have to be completely harmless. It’s not just draining or stressing you out. Vacuuming, dusting or spraying more than you would expect. A box-like home costs you not only your job, but also your health.
followed over six thousand women and men for almost 20 years and the results are alarming. Women who at home they cleaned daily or worked as cleanershad worse lung function at a younger age.
These women had their lung capacity measured. Exhaled air volumes decreased similarly in affected women, as if they had been smoking cigarettes for twenty years. Professional cleaners were even worse off than those who were dedicated to intensive cleaning only at home on a regular basis.
While these findings are grim, there is no reason to panic. But it is necessary to know that inhalation of dust, various vapors and aerosols of cleaners is not without consequences.
Chemistry goes hand in hand with risk
they confirm and supplement older findings. Cleaning sprays and disinfectants contain substances that irritates the respiratory tract. It is among them and ecological cleaners. Environmentally friendly products can be risky when it comes to air quality and lung health. But according to them, ecological cleaners are still gentler than ordinary chemicals.
It is mainly about volatile substances referred to as VOCs. Regular contact with chemicals can increase the risk asthma or worsening of his symptoms, and some studies even suggest possible risk of chronic lung problems for women who clean daily. So it is mainly about professional cleaners and maids.
How to protect your lungs?
What now? After all, cleaning is necessary. Fortunately, the risks can be mitigated by:
- Ventilate – windows, ventilation, let the chemical air out of the room as much as possible and evaporate.
- Less chemistry – microfiber and water are often enough. they can handle a lot. Agents with chlorine, ammonia, etc. are effective, but also inappropriate.
- Protective mask – use it when more cleaning is needed, you are eliminating mold or using stronger chemicals.
- Air purifier – in winter it is definitely better to use it than to constantly ventilate.
- Economical products – avoid strongly perfumed and strongly chemical-smelling products and above all sprays.
