A study has raised serious health concerns for millions of people who use cleaning sprays every day. The research shows that women who clean regularly, either at home or as a job, may suffer from lung damage equal to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years.
The study was carried out by the University of Bergen in Norway and published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. It followed more than 6,000 people for over two decades as part of a large European project on respiratory health.
Researchers discovered that women who used cleaning sprays at least once a week had a much faster decline in lung function compared to those who did not clean often. The damage was so severe that doctors compared it to long-term smoking.
“People who have cleaned for 20 years had reduced lung function similar to those smoking 20 cigarettes every day for the same period,” explained Dr. Øistein Svanes, the main author of the study. “It is not surprising when you think about all the small particles that are released from cleaning products and stay in the air.”
The research also showed that female cleaners faced a 40 percent higher risk of developing asthma. However, the same effect was not observed in men. Scientists are still trying to understand why women are more affected, but they believe higher exposure levels at home and at work could be one reason.
Cleaning sprays often contain harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia. These substances can irritate the thin lining of the airways. Over time, the irritation can lead to inflammation, asthma, and chronic breathing problems.
Professor Cecilie Svanes, a co-author of the study, explained that the biggest problem comes from sprays. “The small particles from sprays can stay in the air for hours. They can travel deep into the lungs, cause infections, and speed up the aging of the lungs,” she said.
She added that it is better to avoid sprays and instead use a bucket of water, soap, and a microfiber cloth. “You will not need a lot of chemicals when cleaning. Simple tools can be just as effective,” she suggested.
Although the study focused on lung function and asthma, some experts believe the health risks may go even further. Dr. Matthew Schabath, an epidemiologist at the Moffitt Cancer Center, warned that long-term inflammation in the lungs could increase the risk of cancer.
“Low-grade inflammation over a long time can change lung cells,” Dr. Schabath said. “These changes could be risk factors for cancer, and this should be studied more closely.”
Doctors and health experts say people can protect themselves by reducing the use of chemical sprays and choosing safer options. Natural cleaners such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can be used for most household cleaning. Opening windows for fresh air while cleaning and wearing a mask for protection can also help reduce the risks.
Dr. Schabath said, “When possible, choose natural cleaners. If you need something stronger, make sure the room is well-ventilated. Even small changes can make a difference in protecting your lungs.”
The study is part of the Horizon 2020 project “Aging Lungs in European Cohorts,” which looks at how the environment affects breathing over time. The findings shows that the modern idea of “deep cleaning” with sprays and harsh products may be doing more harm than good.
Dr. Øistein Svanes said the results should be a wake-up call. “We need to rethink our relationship with cleaning. Clean homes are important, but not at the cost of our health,” he said.
Many experts now believe governments should regulate cleaning products more strictly. Just like tobacco and industrial chemicals, household cleaners may need stronger safety warnings.
The research leaves little doubt that regular exposure to cleaning sprays is not safe. The lung damage builds slowly and silently, and by the time it shows, it may be too late to reverse.
“Cleanliness should not come at the cost of lung health,” said Professor Cecilie Svanes. “Often, water and simple cloths are enough. We must be more careful about what we breathe in every day.”
