January 20, 2009

comment on research into hospital cleaning products and nurses’ asthma risk, as published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine

The study suggested a link between nurses’ exposure to chemical-based cleaning products in hospitals and their likelihood of being diagnosed with asthma.

Dr Elaine Vickers, Research Relations Manager at Asthma UK, said:

“This is a real problem as we know that up to 3,000 people in Britain develop occupational asthma each year. This study adds to previous research showing that nurses are at risk.

“We are actively encouraging all employers to safeguard their employees’ health by reducing their exposure to potential asthma risks. We advise that where possible, solid or liquid cleaning products should be used instead of sprays and that using as little of the product as possible and opening windows can also make a big difference.

“Anyone worried about the risks of developing asthma at work should speak to their doctor or call the Asthma UK Adviceline on 08457 01 02 03.”