Cleaning May Be More Unhealthy Than Smoking, Study Finds
You thought giving the bathroom a good scrub was doing your health a favor. But, according to a long-term study, all that spritzing and scrubbing with common cleaning supplies might be rougher on your lungs than you’d expect. Some scientists even compared it to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.
That’s not exactly the pep talk you were looking for before tackling the weekend chores. So, what’s really going on here?
Is House Cleaning More Dangerous Than Cigarettes?
The eye-catching headline comes from research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Scientists at Norway’s University of Bergen tracked more than 6,000 people, including professional cleaners and homeowners, over a span of 20 years.
The results were startling. Women who cleaned regularly showed a decline in lung function similar to what you might see in someone smoking 20 cigarettes daily.
Professional cleaners had it worse, but even weekly household cleaning was enough to make a measurable difference over time. No wonder some people are saying cleaning is worse than smoking.
How Cleaning Supplies Can Affect Your Health
The problem lies in the ingredients found in many cleaning supplies. Sprays, bleaches, and fragranced detergents can release fine particles and fumes that linger in the air and make their way into your lungs. Over years of exposure, this buildup can take a toll on your respiratory health.
Of course, the study doesn’t suggest that cleaning equals smoking in every sense. Cigarettes are tied to cancer, heart disease, and a wide range of health problems. The comparison here is focused on the decline of lung function. It’s a reminder that what we use to keep our homes clean can come with hidden costs.
Why Fragrance Isn’t Always Fresh
A lot of us associate “clean” with a lemony or floral scent, but those fragrances often come from what are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These can irritate our airways, trigger allergies, and, in some cases, be linked to more serious health concerns.
That’s why experts often warn against relying too heavily on toxic cleaning products filled with synthetic fragrances.
The tricky part is that companies aren’t always required to list every ingredient on the label. So, when you see the vague term “fragrance,” it could be hiding a mix of chemicals you might not want to inhale.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Lungs While You Clean
Of course, there are plenty of ways to keep your house and lungs clean and healthy. A few small changes can make a big difference. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Ventilation Is Key: Crack open windows or turn on fans whenever you are using strong products. Fresh air helps clear out lingering fumes.
Avoid Mixing Products: Bleach and ammonia together, for example, create a toxic gas that is dangerous to breathe. Stick to one cleaner at a time.
Look for Safer Labels: The EPA’s “Safer Choice” certification and other eco-friendly seals can help you find lung-safe cleaning products that are less harsh on your lungs and better for your home environment.
DIY When You Can: Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice may not smell like “ocean breeze,” but they’re effective natural cleaning products that can handle a surprising number of chores without adding chemicals to the air.
A Safer Way to Shine
So, is cleaning your house really the same as chain-smoking? Not exactly. But, if you’re reaching for heavy-duty cleaning supplies every week, your lungs might not be as grateful as your countertops.
All we can do is keep cleaning, but do it with care. We can choose natural cleaning products or those labeled as lung-safe cleaning products, let the fresh air in, and ease up on the scented chemicals. Our lungs will thank us, and our homes will still sparkle and shine.
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