Cleaning Products & Lung Health: Separating Fact from Fiction

A video circulating on social media suggests a link between household cleaning products and lung cancer. Posted on the Instagram account of “Gezondheidsgoeroes,” a webshop selling dietary supplements, the video has garnered approximately 640,000 views.

The Claim and the Research

The video asserts that lung cancer is increasingly diagnosed in non-smokers, particularly young people, and attributes this to long-term exposure to cleaning agents. It references a 2018 study comparing the effects of cleaning product exposure to smoking one to two packs of cigarettes daily.

Cleaning vs. Smoking: A Matter of Degree

The Instagram video points to research conducted by Øistein Svanes of the University of Bergen. This study, published in 2018, followed 6,235 cleaners over twenty years, tracking their cleaning habits at home and work alongside their lung function through questionnaires and tests.

The research revealed that female professional cleaners experienced more asthma and respiratory issues, and a faster decline in lung function. Their children also showed a higher risk of asthma, especially with maternal exposure before and during pregnancy. Household cleaning was also linked to decreased lung function in women.

Researchers found that this decline in lung function was comparable to smoking ten to twenty cigarettes a day. However, the study explicitly states that cleaning is not equivalent to smoking; rather, exposure to cleaning agents can have similar effects on lung function.

What the Research Didn’t Show

Crucially, the Norwegian study did not investigate lung cancer. Therefore, claiming that cleaning causes lung cancer solely based on comparable effects on lung function is inaccurate, according to Dr. Steven Ronsmans of UZ Leuven. “These are two different things,” he emphasized.

Dr. Ronsmans noted a Belgian study indicating professional cleaners experience more respiratory infections and a higher incidence of lung cancer. However, he cautioned that the connection to cleaning products themselves remains unclear, and other studies have not found the same correlation. The causal link with cigarettes, however, is well-established.

Safe Cleaning Practices

Mixing cleaning products, particularly with bleach, can be hazardous due to chemical reactions. Spraying cleaning products is also identified as a significant risk factor. “Spray use should be limited as much as possible, and products should never be mixed,” Dr. Ronsmans warned, noting such exposure could lead to asthma and chronic bronchitis.

The duration and intensity of exposure are also critical factors in toxicology. While effects may be observed in people cleaning at home, they are generally less pronounced than in professional cleaners.

What Leading Cancer Organizations Say

Longkanker Nederland and Stichting tegen Kanker emphasize that smoking remains the primary cause of lung cancer. Repeated and prolonged exposure to asbestos, radon, and air pollution are also identified as risk factors.

Long-term exposure to certain workplace chemicals can also increase lung cancer risk, particularly in smokers. Examples include diesel exhaust fumes, arsenic, and welding fumes. Cleaning products are not included in this list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cleaning have the same effect on the lungs as smoking?

The research indicates that long-term exposure to cleaning agents can have effects on lung function comparable to smoking ten to twenty cigarettes a day, but it does not mean cleaning is equivalent to smoking.

Did the study investigate a link between cleaning and lung cancer?

No, the Norwegian study did not investigate lung cancer. It focused on lung function and respiratory health.

What are the safest ways to use cleaning products?

Avoid mixing cleaning products, especially with bleach, and limit the use of sprays. Professional cleaners are at higher risk due to more frequent and intense exposure.

Considering the findings, what steps might individuals take to minimize potential respiratory risks associated with cleaning practices?