Frequent use of household cleaning products is associated with rhinitis in Chinese children

Effects of household cleaning products on the lungs: an update

INTRODUCTION

Household disinfectants and cleaning products (HDCPs), which involve a complex mixture of chemical ingredients, are commonly used in homes. HDCPs significantly contribute to chemical exposure in the indoor environment by releasing particles and volatile organic compounds while being used, potentially harming the respiratory health of those exposed.

AREAS COVERED

We provide an overview of scientific literature, especially from the last five years, regarding the (i) effects of using of HDCPs on adults' respiratory health; (ii) associations between prenatal or childhood exposure to HDCPs and children respiratory health. Finally, we discuss on standard and innovative methods of HDCP exposure assessment.

EXPERT OPINION

Recent literature provides further evidence on the harmful role of HDCPs on respiratory health in both adults and children. Exposure to HDCPs is a modifiable asthma risk factor that requires more consideration, in order to reduce asthma-related morbidity, and to improve and maintain an optimal control of the disease. Further research is essential to deepen the current knowledge, particularly by using innovative methods of exposure assessment to HDCPs, which could enhance the exposure characterization in both adults and children, and contribute to identify HDCP's chemical compounds leading to a risk for respiratory health.

Cleaning products: Their chemistry, effects on indoor air quality, and implications for human health

The use of cleaning and disinfecting products both at work and at home increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those products often include surfactants, acids/bases, carcinogens such as chloroform, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as cyclosiloxanes, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, which may cause harmful health effects among professional cleaners as well as among people exposed at home or in their workplaces. The aim of this study was to synthesize the effects of the commonly used chemical, surface cleaning and disinfecting products on indoor air quality, focusing on chemical and particulate matter pollutants, exposure, and human health in residential and public buildings. We also provide a summary of recommendations to avoid harmful exposure and suggest future research directions. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) were used to search the literature. Analysis of the literature revealed that the use of cleaning products and disinfectants increase occupants' exposure to a variety of harmful chemical air contaminants and to particulate matter. Occupational exposure to cleaning and disinfectant products has been linked to an increased risk of asthma and rhinitis. Residential exposure to cleaning products has been shown to have an adverse effect on respiratory health, particularly on asthma onset, and on the occurrence of asthma(-like) symptoms among children and adults. Efforts to reduce occupants' exposure to cleaning chemicals will require lowering the content of hazardous substances in cleaning products and improving ventilation during and after cleaning. Experimentally examined, best cleaning practices as well as careful selection of cleaning products can minimize the burden of harmful air pollutant exposure indoors. In addition, indirect ways to reduce exposure include increasing people's awareness of the harmfulness of cleaning chemicals and of safe cleaning practices, as well as clear labelling of cleaning and disinfecting products.

Household laundry detergents disrupt barrier integrity and induce inflammation in mouse and human skin

BACKGROUND

Epithelial barrier impairment is associated with many skin and mucosal inflammatory disorders. Laundry detergents have been demonstrated to affect epithelial barrier function in vitro using air-liquid interface cultures of human epithelial cells.

METHODS

Back skin of C57BL/6 mice was treated with two household laundry detergents at several dilutions. Barrier function was assessed by electric impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements after the 4 h of treatments with detergents. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and targeted multiplex proteomics analyses in skin biopsy samples were performed. The 6-h treatment effect of laundry detergent and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was investigated on ex vivo human skin.

RESULTS

Detergent-treated skin showed a significant EIS reduction and TEWL increase compared to untreated skin, with a relatively higher sensitivity and dose-response in EIS. The RNA-seq showed the reduction of the expression of several genes essential for skin barrier integrity, such as tight junctions and adherens junction proteins. In contrast, keratinization, lipid metabolic processes, and epidermal cell differentiation were upregulated. Proteomics analysis showed that the detergents treatment generally downregulated cell adhesion-related proteins, such as epithelial cell adhesion molecule and contactin-1, and upregulated proinflammatory proteins, such as interleukin 6 and interleukin 1 beta. Both detergent and SDS led to a significant decrease in EIS values in the ex vivo human skin model.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that laundry detergents and its main component, SDS impaired the epidermal barrier in vivo and ex vivo human skin. Daily detergent exposure may cause skin barrier disruption and may contribute to the development of atopic diseases.

Chronic exposure to ambient PM2.5/NO2 and respiratory health in school children: A prospective cohort study in Hong Kong

Despite increasing concerns about the detrimental effects of air pollution on respiratory health, limited evidence is available on these effects in the Hong Kong population, especially in children. In this prospective cohort study between 2012 and 2017, we aimed to investigate the associations between exposure to air pollution (concentrations of fine particulate matter [PM_2.5] and nitrogen dioxide [NO₂]) and respiratory health (lung function parameters and respiratory diseases and symptoms) in schoolchildren. We recruited 5612 schoolchildren aged 6-16 years in Hong Kong. We estimated the annual average concentrations of ambient PM_2.5 and NO₂ at each participant's address using spatiotemporal models. We conducted spirometry tests on all participants to measure their lung function parameters and used a self-administered questionnaire to collect information on their respiratory diseases and symptoms and a wide range of covariates. Linear mixed models were used to investigate the associations between exposure to air pollution and lung function. Mixed-effects logistic regression models with random effects were used to investigate the associations of exposure to air pollution with respiratory diseases and symptoms. In all of the participants, every 5-μg/m³ increase in the ambient PM_2.5 concentration was associated with changes of - 13.90 ml (95 % confidence interval [CI]: -23.65 ml, -4.10 ml), - 4.20 ml (-15.60 ml, 7.15 ml), 27.20 ml/s (-3.95 ml/s, 58.35 ml/s), and - 19.80 ml/s (-38.35 ml/s, -1.25 ml/s) in forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and maximal mid-expiratory flow, respectively. The corresponding lung function estimates for every 5-μg/m³ increase in the ambient NO₂ concentration were - 2.70 ml (-6.05 ml, 0.60 ml), - 1.40 ml (-5.40 ml, 2.60 ml), - 6.60 ml/s (-19.75 ml/s, 6.55 ml/s), and - 3.05 ml/s (-11.10 ml/s, 5.00 ml/s), respectively. We did not observe significant associations between PM_2.5/NO₂ exposure and most respiratory diseases and symptoms. Stratified analyses by sex and age showed that the associations between exposure to air pollution and lung function parameters were stronger in male participants and older participants (11-14 year old group) than in female participants and younger participants (6-10 year old group), respectively. Our results suggest that chronic exposure to air pollution is detrimental to the respiratory health of schoolchildren, especially that of older boys. Our findings reinforce the importance of air pollution mitigation to protect schoolchildren's respiratory health.

Near-source hypochlorous acid emissions from indoor bleach cleaning

Cleaning surfaces with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) bleach can lead to high levels of gaseous chlorine (Cl₂) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl); these have high oxidative capacities and are linked to respiratory issues. We developed a novel spectral analysis procedure for a cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) analyzer to enable time-resolved (3 s) HOCl quantification. We measured HOCl levels in a residential bathroom while disinfecting a bathtub and sink, with a focus on spatial and temporal trends to improve our understanding of exposure risks during bleach use. Very high (>10 ppmv) HOCl levels were detected near the bathtub, with lower levels detected further away. Hypochlorous acid concentrations plateaued in the room at a level that depended on distance from the bathtub. This steady-state concentration was maintained until the product was removed by rinsing. Mobile experiments with the analyzer inlet secured to the researcher's face were conducted to mimic potential human exposure to bleach emissions. The findings from mobile experiments were consistent with the spatial and temporal trends observed in the experiments with fixed inlet locations. This work provides insight on effective strategies to reduce exposure risk to emissions from bleach and other cleaning products.

Children and Parents' Awareness Regarding Potential Hazards Derived from the Use of Chemical Products in Greece

Over the last decades, human activities prompted the high production and widespread use of household chemical products, leading to daily exposure of humans to several chemicals. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of chemicals' use by children and parents in Greece and estimate the level of risk awareness and understanding among them. A total of 575 parents and children were asked to answer an anonymous, closed-ended, validated, and self-administered questionnaire. One-third of the children and almost half of the parents participating in the study believed that commonly used chemical products do not pose any risk to human health or to the environment, despite the product labelling. The majority of both children (61.8%) and parents (70.6%) were informed about product safety via the product labelling. Around 20% in both groups could not differentiate between systemic toxicity and acute lethal effects depicted by pictograms on the label and milder hazards, such as skin irritation. Moreover, the information on hazard and precautionary statements appearing on the label was very poorly perceived. Therefore, as both children and parents seem not to clearly identify the hazards and risks arising from the use of everyday chemical products, targeted awareness policies should be implemented to support the safe use of household products.

Household Cleaning and Poor Asthma Control Among Elderly Women

BACKGROUND

Asthma control is suboptimal in nearly half of adults with asthma. Household exposure to disinfectants and cleaning products (DCP) has been associated with adverse respiratory effects, but data on their association with asthma control are scant.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between household use of DCP and asthma control in a large cohort of French elderly women.

METHODS

We used data from a case-control study on asthma (2011-2013) nested in the E3N cohort. Among 3023 women with current asthma, asthma control was defined by the Asthma Control Test (ACT). We used a standardized questionnaire to assess the frequency of cleaning tasks and DCP use. We also identified household cleaning patterns using a clustering approach. Associations between DCP and ACT were adjusted for age, smoking status, body mass index, and education.

RESULTS

Data on ACT and DCP use were available for 2223 women (70 ± 6 years old). Asthma was controlled (ACT = 25), partly controlled (ACT = 20-24), and poorly controlled (ACT ≤ 19) in 29%, 46%, and 25% of the participants, respectively. Weekly use of sprays and chemicals was associated with poorly controlled asthma (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1 spray: 1.31 [0.94-1.84], ≥2 sprays: 1.65 [1.07-2.53], P trend: .01; 1 chemical: 1.24 [0.94-1.64], ≥2 chemicals: 1.47 [1.03-2.09], P trend: .02). Risk for poor asthma control increased with the patterns "very frequent use of products" (1.74 [1.13-2.70]) and "infrequent cleaning tasks and intermediate use of products" (1.62 [1.05-2.51]).

CONCLUSION

Regular use of DCP may contribute to poor asthma control in elderly women. Limiting their use may help improve asthma management.

Ultrafine particle emission from floor cleaning products

The new particle formation due to the use of cleaning products containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor environments is well documented in the scientific literature. Indeed, the physical-chemical process occurring in particle nucleation due to VOC-ozone reactions was deepened as well as the effect of the main influencing parameters (ie, temperature, ozone). Nonetheless, proper quantification of the emission under actual meteo-climatic conditions and ozone concentrations is not available. To this end, in the present paper the emission factors of newly generated ultrafine particles due to the use of different floor cleaning products under actual temperature and relative humidity conditions and ozone concentrations typical of the summer periods were evaluated. Tests in a chamber and in an actual indoor environment were performed measuring continuously particle number concentrations and size distributions during cleaning activities. The tests revealed that a significant particle emission in the nucleation mode was present for half of the products under investigation with emission factors up to 1.1 × 10¹¹ part./m² (8.8 × 10¹⁰ part./mL_product ), then leading to an overall particle emission comparable to other well-known indoor sources when cleaning wide surfaces.

Hydrogen Peroxide Emission and Fate Indoors during Non-bleach Cleaning: A Chamber and Modeling Study

Activities such as household cleaning can greatly alter the composition of air in indoor environments. We continuously monitored hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) from household non-bleach surface cleaning in a chamber designed to simulate a residential room. Mixing ratios of up to 610 ppbv gaseous H₂O₂ were observed following cleaning, orders of magnitude higher than background levels (sub-ppbv). Gaseous H₂O₂ levels decreased rapidly and irreversibly, with removal rate constants (k_H2O2) 17-73 times larger than air change rate (ACR). Increasing the surface-area-to-volume ratio within the room caused peak H₂O₂ mixing ratios to decrease and k_H2O2 to increase, suggesting that surface uptake dominated H₂O₂ loss. Volatile organic compound (VOC) levels increased rapidly after cleaning and then decreased with removal rate constants 1.2-7.2 times larger than ACR, indicating loss due to surface partitioning and/or chemical reactions. We predicted photochemical radical production rates and steady-state concentrations in the simulated room using a detailed chemical model for indoor air (the INDCM). Model results suggest that, following cleaning, H₂O₂ photolysis increased OH concentrations by 10-40% to 9.7 × 10⁵ molec cm^-3 and hydroperoxy radical (HO₂) concentrations by 50-70% to 2.3 × 10⁷ molec cm^-3 depending on the cleaning method and lighting conditions.

Assessment of vitamin D, exercise, and lipid profile associated with excessive daytime sleepiness in school children

Previous research reported associations of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) with a low vitamin D level, obesity, and sexual maturity. The aim of this study was to identify the association and rank the importance of these with EDS. This study examined 618 children who were 10-12 year-old. The pediatric daytime sleepiness scale (PDSS) was used to evaluate EDS and sleep patterns. EDS was defined as a total PDSS score above 17. We ranked the importance of the relationship of these factors with EDS using random forest analysis. EDS (n = 111, 18%) was positively associated with more advanced pubertal stage in girls, chronic cough, urticaria, and allergic rhinitis. Multivariable analysis with adjustment for confounding indicated that children with low level of 25-hydroxyvitaminD₃ (25(OH)D₃ (<20 ng/mL) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (<40 mg/dL) levels had an increased risk of EDS (25(OH)D₃:adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06 to 2.81; P = 0.028; HDL-C: aOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.05 to 7.68; P = 0.039). Random forest analysis indicated that 25(OH)D₃ level, exercise, and body mass index (BMI) were over three. This study indicated high levels of 25-(OH)D₃ and HDL-C and performing regular exercise decreased the risk of EDS.

Use of cleaning agents at home and respiratory and allergic symptoms in adolescents: The PIAMA birth cohort study

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that adults who use cleaning agents in their homes have a higher risk of asthma and allergic symptoms. The associations of asthma and allergic symptoms with household use of cleaning agents in adolescents have not been investigated yet.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the associations of household cleaning agents use with the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in adolescents.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional analysis, we included participants of the PIAMA birth cohort study with data on household use of 10 types of cleaning agents and information on asthma, rhinitis and/or eczema from parent-completed questionnaires at age 14 (N = 2333). For the cleaning agents, we developed a composite score ranging from 0 (no exposure) to 30 points (household use on 4-7 days per week for all 10 types of cleaning agents). Logistic regression was used to analyse associations between household cleaning agents use (composite score and specific cleaning agents) and outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Seven, 13 and 11% of the participants had asthma, rhinitis and eczema, respectively, at age 14. The composite score for household use of cleaning agents was not associated with asthma, rhinitis and eczema. For instance, adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema comparing those with the highest use of cleaning agents (≥10 points) to those with never/seldom use (0-4 points) were 0.95 (0.56, 1.63), 1.23 (0.82, 1.82) and 0.95 (0.56, 1.63), respectively. For individual cleaning agents, we only found the use of ammonia to be significantly associated with a lower risk of rhinitis [0.60, (0.44, 0.82)].

CONCLUSIONS

There was no indication of an increased prevalence of asthma, rhinitis or eczema among adolescents living in households within the highest category of cleaning agents use.

Household incense burning and children's respiratory health: A cohort study in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

Incense burning is an important source of indoor air pollution in many Asian regions. We investigated the associations between household incense burning and lung function, lung function growth and respiratory diseases and symptoms in primary school children in Hong Kong.

METHODS

A total of 4041 children (mean age: 9.1 years) were recruited from 27 primary schools in Hong Kong. Information on incense burning and medical history of respiratory diseases and symptoms was collected by questionnaire. Spirometry tests were performed to measure the children's lung function. A follow-up study was carried out after 1-year interval. Linear and logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between incense burning, lung function, and lung function growth, and respiratory diseases and symptoms, respectively.

RESULTS

At baseline, incense burning was associated with 48.6 mL/min [95% confidence interval (CI): -96.7, -0.5] lower maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) in boys. In follow-up, incense burning was associated with reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF) growth in all participants. We also found that incense burning was associated with increased prevalence of bronchitis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.72] and bronchiolitis (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.14, 2.56). Incense burning was also associated with higher prevalence of pneumonia (OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.10, 6.87) and wheezing (OR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.08, 2.05) in boys, but not in girls.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that incense burning may adversely affect children's respiratory health. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Cosmetics in use: a pharmacological review

Cosmetics" really comes from its utilization in Ancient Rome. They were commonly delivered by female slaves known as "cosmetae," which is the place "cosmetics" originated from. Cosmetics are utilized to upgrade appearance. Makeup has been around for a long time. The primary known individuals who utilized cosmetics to upgrade their beauty were the Egyptians. Makeup those days was simply basic eye shading or some material for the body. Presently a-days makeup assumes an imperative job for the two men and women. In developmental brain science, social challenge of appearance reinforces women's wants for perfect beauty. As indicated by "The Origin of Species", people have developed to exchange qualities to future ages through sexual determination that respects the body state of perfect beauty as astounding richness. Also, since women's beauty has as of late been viewed as an upper hand to make social power, a body that satisfies the social guidelines of a culture could accomplish restricted social assets. It's hard to believe, but it’s true, even men have turned out to be more beauty cognizant and are worried about their looks. Cosmetics can be delivered in the natural and hypoallergenic structure to fulfill the needs of clients. Makeup is utilized as a beauty help to help develop the self-esteem and certainty of a person. The significance of cosmetics has expanded the same number of individuals need to remain youthful and alluring. Cosmetics are promptly accessible today as creams, lipstick, scents, eye shadows, nail shines, hair showers and so forth. Different cosmetics like face powder offer gleam to the skin subsequent to applying the base cream. At that point we have lipsticks, which are connected by numerous women all things considered. They are produced using wax and cocoa butter in the ideal sum. Cosmetics like creams, gels, and colognes are utilized consistently by the two women and men. Creams go about as a chemical for the face as a rule. All the more as of late enemy of maturing creams have been made which can hold more youthful looking skin for a long time. The best cleansing specialists are cleansing cream, cleanser and water. Cosmetic creams fill in as skin sustenance for hard, dry and dry skin. It fundamentally greases up, diminishes and expels undesirable earth from the skin. Some famous fat creams that are utilized incorporate Vaseline and Lanolin. Dry creams are utilized in the assembling of cleanser and gelatin which is utilized as a base for the skin. Hair care has turned out to be one of the quickest creating markets in the beauty business. Numerous young fellows swing to oils and gels to keep up and style their hair. Items like hair gels, oils, and moisturizers have been acquainted in the market with assistance ensure hair fall and dandruff. A few callings, similar to the entertainment biz industry, center on the significance of the external appearance. Numerous identities and craftsmen have used makeup to beat the brutal lights and the glare of camera flashes. They know the significance of their looks and keep up them by utilizing an assortment of cosmetics. Their appearance is their most profitable resource and they accept each undertaking to show up as the fans need them to show up. Late research has demonstrated that makeup helps in assurance from destructive beams of the sun. Numerous beauty items producers have used the necessities of individuals to shield themselves and their skin from the beams of the sun. This is an extraordinary achievement on the grounds that prior make up and sun assurance could not mix together. Today Cosmetics help to upgrade our appearance and make us feel increasingly certain. With more cosmetics available today than any other time in recent memory, it ends up clear to us that they assume an extraordinary job in our regular daily existence (Figure 1).

Association of household cleaning agents and disinfectants with asthma in young German adults

OBJECTIVES

We scrutinised the association of private use of household sprays and disinfectants with asthma incidence in young adults in the transition from school to working life.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2009,2051 young adults aged 19-24 years living in two major German cities took part in the Study on Occupational Allergy Risks II. Self-reported exposure to household sprays and disinfectants was characterised according to a composite score for frequency of use as no use (score=0), low use (score between 1 and the median), medium use (score between the median and the 90th percentile) and high use (score above the 90th percentile). Two outcome variables (current asthma and current wheezing) with four mutually exclusive categories (never, incident, persistent and remittent) were used for the risk analyses. Multinomial logistic regression models examined the association between the frequency of using household sprays and disinfectants with asthma and wheezing adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Compared with no use, high use of disinfectants was associated with a more than twofold increased odds of incident asthma (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.14 to 6.83). In addition, low/medium use of disinfectants was associated with remittent asthma (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.29 to 4.47). The evidence for an association between high usage of household sprays and asthma incidence was weak (OR 2.79, 95% CI 0.84 to 9.20).

CONCLUSION

Our results support the hypothesis of an association between the use of cleaning products and elevated risks for asthma and wheezing in young adults at the start of working life.

Dietary patterns and the risk of rhinitis in primary school children: a prospective cohort study

This study was to investigate the association between dietary patterns and rhinitis in primary school children. 1,599 students without rhinitis at baseline survey were selected from a primary school children cohort. Information on food consumption, respiratory symptoms, and confounders was collected using questionnaires. Dietary patterns were defined using principal component analysis. Logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The incidence of rhinitis during 12 months follow-up was 21.2%. Three patterns were extracted and labeled as pattern I, II and III. Dietary pattern II which had higher factor loadings of legumes, butter, nuts and potatoes was associated with an increased risk of rhinitis (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.01-1.87) when the highest tertile of pattern score was compared to the lowest tertile, after adjusted for confounders. Besides, every 1-unit increase of score of pattern II was also associated with an increased risk of rhinitis (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.35). Neither pattern I nor Pattern III was observed to be associated with risk of rhinitis. A diet with higher levels of consumption of legumes, butter, nuts and potatoes may increase the risk of allergic rhinitis in primary school children.