Regular use of bleach linked to lung disease risk 

Individuals regularly exposed to bleach and other commonly used disinfectants may at an increased risk of developing a deadly type of lung disease, a research has claimed.

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What findings say?

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• The findings showed that tasks that involved frequent exposure to disinfectants.
• Such as cleaning surfaces, and specific chemicals in disinfectants.
• In addition,were associated with a 22 to 32 per cent increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• COPD is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.
• We found that people who use disinfectants to clean surfaces on a regular basis at least once a week.
• However,had a 22 per cent increased risk of developing COPD,said Expert.
• Further, the study found that exposure to disinfectants.
• Such as glutaraldehyde used for medical instruments, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and quaternary ammonium compounds.
• Known as “quats”, mainly used for low-level disinfection of surfaces such as floors and furniture.
• In addition,were associated with an increased risk of COPD of between 24 per cent to 32 per cent.

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Team analysed:

• For the study, the team analysed data from 56K female nurses, who were followed from 2009, for approximately eight years until May 2017.
• During that time 663 nurses were diagnosed with COPD.
• Previous studies have linked exposure to disinfectants with breathing problems such as asthma among healthcare workers.
• Our findings provide further evidence of the effects of exposure to disinfectants on respiratory problems.
• And highlight the urgency of integrating occupational health considerations into guidelines for cleaning.
• And disinfection in healthcare settings such as hospitals.
• The everyday use of bleach currently has no specific health guidelines, but the researchers hope the study will prompt investigation.