Page 21 - OHS, October 2023

Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that professional cleaning work was associated with an increased risk of adult-on- set asthma (Mapp, Boschetto, Maestrelli, & Fabri, 2005). Another study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health reported a higher risk of asthma among cleaning professionals, particularly among those exposed to spe- cific cleaning agents such as bleach and ammonia (Sejbaek et. al., 2022). Cleaning and maintenance workers often have direct and prolonged exposure to cleaning products, thus increasing their exposure and risk of developing respiratory diseases like asthma. Cleaning products play an important role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the workplace. The use of such prod- ucts was never more prevalent than during the recent pandemic; however, it’s troubling to learn that many of the chemicals found in cleaning products used to protect us from other diseases can induce asthma. This emphasizes the importance of understand- ing exposure risks to workers. Low-moderate exposures to inha- lation irritants repeatedly can cause workers to develop asthma over time. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or chemicals that can vaporize into the air, are prevalent in most cleaning products, from air fresheners to disinfectant sprays and wipes to window and glass cleaners, and even carpet cleaners. Commonly found chemical compounds in these products include formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ammonia, sodium hypochlorite, and chlorine. Additionally, fragrances and perfumes may contain a mixture of chemicals, including phthalates, alcohols, and synthetic musks, that can also irritate the respiratory tract. VOCs can irritate the respiratory system, leading to asthma symptoms. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can also contribute to the development of asthma in individuals previously unaffected by the condition. For example, ammonia is a highly effective cleaning agent found in many household and industrial clean- ers, especially glass and window cleaners. Although ammonia evaporates quickly, it can irritate the respiratory system when inhaled, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to ammonia can cause chemical-induced asthma, particularly in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach, is a pow- erful disinfectant found in many cleaning products. While bleach is effective at killing bacteria and viruses, inhaling its fumes can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Individuals with asthma are particularly sensitive to the effects of bleach, and prolonged exposure can worsen their condition or induce asthma in previously unaffected individuals. Many cleaning products contain fragrances and perfumes to impart a pleasant scent; however, these fragrances often consist of a complex mixture of chemicals, including phthalates and syn- thetic musks, which can cause respiratory irritation and trigger MAKING STUFF YELLOW IS THE EASY PART Don’t confuse a coat of yellow paint with top-to-bottom protection. When vetting fall protection partners, look deeper. Safety Rail Company delivers the industry’s most tested and trusted fall protection solutions. From initial hazard assessment to annual inspections, SRC has your back. Get Behind the Shield. To learn more about our comprehensive turn-key approach, visit thesafest.com SEE US AT NSC, BOOTH #4435 THE SAFEST SPECIFY — MANUFACTURE — INSTALL — SERVICE ©2023 SAFETY RAIL COMPANY www.ohsonline.com OCTOBER 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 21 9/18/23 1:34 PM Untitled-5 1