Home / Health / Cleaning Chemicals Linked to Rapid Lung Function Decline in Women
Cleaning Chemicals Linked to Rapid Lung Function Decline in Women
15 Nov
Summary
- Exposure to cleaning chemicals can cause greater decline in lung function
- Effect on lungs comparable to 10-20 years of heavy smoking
- Asthma more prevalent in women who clean at home or work
According to a study published in 2025, women who regularly clean, either at home or as professional cleaners, are at risk of experiencing a significant decline in their lung function over time. The research, conducted by researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway, followed over 6,200 participants for more than 20 years and found that the impact of 10 to 20 years of cleaning on the lungs was comparable to the effects of smoking a pack of cigarettes every day for the same period.
The study measured participants' forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), which are indicators of lung health. Compared to women who did not clean, the FEV1 declined 3.6 milliliters per year faster in women who cleaned at home and 3.9 milliliters per year faster in women who worked as cleaners. The FVC also declined more rapidly, dropping 4.3 milliliters per year faster in home cleaners and 7.1 milliliters per year faster in professional cleaners.
Additionally, the study found that asthma was more prevalent in women who cleaned, with 12.3% of home cleaners and 13.7% of professional cleaners reporting the condition, compared to 9.6% of those who did not clean. The researchers believe the decline in lung function is likely due to the irritation caused by the chemicals used in cleaning products on the airways.
