Cleaning Products and Lung Health: Why Regular Cleaning May Harm Like Smoking

Most of us reach for cleaning sprays and disinfectants without a second thought, believing they make our homes healthier. Yet science suggests a different story. A large, long-term study has revealed that regular use of cleaning products may harm your lungs as much as long-term smoking. If you use sprays daily or work in cleaning professions, the risks may be higher than you think.

What the Study Found

Investigators drew on the European Community Respiratory Health Survey, a population based cohort recruited from 22 centers and examined at three time points across about twenty years. More than six thousand adults with at least one spirometry test were included. Cleaning exposure came from standardized questionnaires that distinguished cleaning at home from occupational cleaning and recorded how often sprays and other products were used.

Lung function was measured repeatedly as forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity. Annual change was estimated with mixed effects models that accounted for age, height, body mass index, education, and smoking history. Among women, cleaning at home was associated with an extra decline of about 3.6 milliliters per year in forced expiratory volume and 4.3 milliliters per year in forced vital capacity compared with women who did not clean regularly. Women working as cleaners had an even steeper annual decline, about 3.9 milliliters per year for forced expiratory volume and 7.1 milliliters per year for forced vital capacity. The University of Bergen summary noted that the size of this long term decline is comparable to the effect of a twenty pack year smoking history. The researchers did not observe the same pattern in men.

How Cleaning Products Harm the Lungs

The chemicals in many common cleaning solutions reach deep into the respiratory system in ways that create long lasting injury. Ammonia, chlorine based agents, and volatile organic compounds can pass through the protective mucus lining and directly irritate airway tissue. Repeated contact encourages structural changes in the epithelial cells that line the bronchial tubes. This irritation can cause remodeling of the airway wall, with thickening and loss of elasticity that slowly reduces the volume of air a person can exhale forcefully.

Another mechanism of harm comes from oxidative stress. Several cleaning chemicals generate reactive oxygen species that overwhelm the lungs natural defenses. These oxidative processes increase inflammation and can damage DNA in airway cells, which worsens long term decline in function. Laboratory experiments have shown that these compounds can reduce the activity of protective antioxidants such as glutathione in lung tissue, leaving cells more vulnerable to chronic irritation.

Cleaning activities also produce fine and ultrafine particles that remain suspended in the air. When inhaled, they penetrate deep into the alveoli, the tiny sacs where oxygen enters the bloodstream. Persistent particle exposure promotes low grade inflammation, which may not cause immediate symptoms but accelerates the gradual deterioration of lung performance over decades.

The Link Between Cleaning and Asthma

The Bergen study also found higher rates of asthma among women who cleaned. Chemicals in cleaning products can trigger airway sensitivity, setting off wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Over time, this can lead to chronic asthma that requires long term management.

Asthma linked to cleaning exposures often follows a pattern of irritant induced disease rather than allergy alone. Strong agents such as bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds can directly damage epithelial cells and cause the immune system to react in ways that narrow the airways. This type of occupational asthma may persist even after a person leaves the environment where the exposure occurred, showing how long lasting the effects can be.

Several studies among health care and domestic workers confirm that repeated contact with disinfectants and sprays raises the risk of new onset asthma. The 2024 study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine demonstrated associations with tasks like surface disinfection and frequent spray use, especially when done in enclosed rooms without good ventilation. A separate investigation in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health found that clusters of asthma symptoms often matched specific.

Why Women Were More Affected

The stronger effects seen in women may be related to biological and social factors that influence both exposure levels and physiological response. Women often have smaller lungs than men of the same age and height, which can make each inhaled dose of chemical particles proportionally larger in terms of surface area affected. Hormonal influences, particularly those involving estrogen and progesterone, are also thought to affect airway reactivity and inflammation, which may amplify the impact of irritant exposures.

The researchers also pointed out that women during the study period were more likely to be primarily responsible for cleaning at home, leading to more frequent and prolonged contact with sprays and solvents. This repeated exposure pattern, occurring week after week over many years, may explain the steeper decline observed in female participants compared with men. The difference does not mean men are free from risk but suggests that cumulative exposure and underlying physiology combined to produce the sharper results in women.

Safer Ways to Clean

The good news is that you can reduce your exposure without sacrificing cleanliness. Researchers from the Bergen study recommend skipping harsh sprays and sticking with simpler methods. A key reason for this advice is that surface cleaning rarely requires strong chemicals to be effective. Microfiber technology, for example, has been shown in controlled studies to physically remove bacteria and dust with just water. This makes it possible to maintain hygiene standards without constant exposure to substances that harm the lungs.

Another strategy is to adopt a task specific approach. Kitchens and bathrooms often prompt the use of disinfectants, yet many surfaces in these areas respond just as well to natural acids or abrasives such as vinegar and baking soda. These substances disrupt microbial growth while avoiding the airway irritation produced by chlorine based agents. For glass and mirrors, water mixed with diluted vinegar is usually sufficient, reducing reliance on sprays that generate inhalable particles.

Ventilation is equally important. Cleaning in enclosed rooms concentrates airborne chemicals, especially when using hot water that can release vapors more quickly. Opening windows or using fans disperses these irritants, lowering the amount that reaches the lower airways. Simple choices such as avoiding aerosol products and using liquid solutions applied with cloths also limit the spread of fine droplets that linger in the air.

Protective equipment adds another layer of defense. Gloves reduce the need for harsher chemical concentrations meant to compensate for skin contact, while masks in certain situations can help filter out particles. Choosing fragrance free and plant based formulations when available can further cut down on volatile compounds. These small but consistent adjustments make a measurable difference in long term respiratory health.

Why Regulation May Be Needed

Unlike tobacco, cleaning products are rarely viewed as harmful to the lungs. Yet the Bergen study suggests otherwise. The researchers urged stricter regulation of cleaning chemicals to protect workers and families from long term respiratory harm.

One major gap is that many ingredients in household cleaners are not tested for long term inhalation safety before being placed on the market. Labels often highlight surface disinfecting power but provide little information about risks from repeated airborne exposure. Stronger labeling requirements could help consumers make informed choices and avoid unnecessary chemicals.

Occupational protections are another area of concern. Cleaners in schools, hospitals, and offices may be exposed for many hours each day, but ventilation standards and training on safer alternatives are inconsistent. Clearer workplace regulations, including substitution of less hazardous products when possible and better respiratory protection policies, could reduce the disease burden in this group.

Public health experts have also called for more transparent disclosure of volatile compounds released by cleaning products. Establishing exposure limits, similar to those used for industrial chemicals, would provide a framework for monitoring and enforcement. Regulatory attention would also encourage manufacturers to reformulate products to reduce respiratory hazards without compromising effectiveness.

Until these measures are adopted, the responsibility falls heavily on individuals to recognize the risks and seek safer cleaning methods. Stronger regulation would shift the burden from households and workers to the manufacturers and regulators best positioned to ensure safety.

My Personal RX on Protecting Your Lungs While Cleaning on Protecting Your Lungs While Cleaning

As a physician, I have seen how often people overlook the invisible damage caused by everyday exposures. Your lungs are vital, and once they lose capacity, it is very difficult to regain it. The good news is that you can take steps today to protect your breathing and overall health.

1. Switch to Simple Cleaners: Microfiber cloths with plain water or natural options like vinegar and baking soda are usually enough for household cleaning.
2. Prioritize Fresh Air: Always keep your home well ventilated while cleaning. Open windows and allow airflow to reduce chemical buildup.
3. Avoid Daily Spray Use: Reserve sprays for occasional cleaning tasks rather than daily routines.
4. Protect Sensitive Airways: If you have asthma or allergies, ask someone else to handle deep cleaning with sprays or wear a protective mask.
5. Support Your Gut and Immunity: A healthy gut helps strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation. Consider adding MindBiotic to support digestive health and promote a balanced stress response.
6. Reduce Processed Foods: Diets high in processed foods can worsen inflammation and respiratory issues. Choose whole, nutrient-rich meals to support your lungs.
7. Stay Hydrated: Adequate water intake helps thin mucus in your airways and keeps lungs working efficiently.
8. Incorporate Mindful Eating: Balanced nutrition is a powerful tool against inflammation. My Mindful Meals program offers guidance on preparing nourishing meals that support your lungs, gut, and overall vitality.
9. Monitor Symptoms: If you experience frequent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, consult your healthcare provider promptly.
10. Educate Your Family: Share these tips with loved ones so everyone in your household can stay safe.

Your home should be a place of safety, not a source of long term harm. By making mindful choices in how you clean, you protect not only your lungs but your future health.

Sources: 

1. Svanes, Ø., Bertelsen, R. J., Lygre, S. H. L., Skorge, T. D., Gunasekara, I., Schlünssen, V., Sigsgaard, T., Johannessen, A., and Bråtveit, M. (2018). Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 197(9), 1157 to 1163. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201706-1311OC
2. Patel, J., Gimeno Ruiz de Porras, D., Mitchell, L. E., Carson, A., Whitehead, L. W., Han, I., Pompeii, L., Conway, S., Zock, J. P., Henneberger, P. K., Patel, R., De Los Reyes, J., and Delclos, G. L. (2024). Cleaning Tasks and Products and Asthma Among Health Care Professionals. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 66(1), 28 to 34. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000002990
3. Su, F. C., Friesen, M. C., Humann, M., Stefaniak, A. B., Stanton, M. L., Liang, X., LeBouf, R. A., Henneberger, P. K., and Virji, M. A. (2019). Clustering asthma symptoms and cleaning and disinfecting activities and evaluating their associations among healthcare workers. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 222(5), 873 to 883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.04.001