Childhood asthma linked to cleaning products in new study

A new study has linked childhood asthma to the use of cleaning products.

Researchers from Simon Fraser University's Faculty of Health Sciences, asked the parents of more than 2000 newborn babies about often they used cleaning products, such as dishwashing and laundry detergent, multipurpose spray and bleach. 

Their findings, published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, show the children in homes were cleaning products were used more frequently, were 37 per cent more likely to develop asthma by the time they turned three.

"Most of the evidence linking asthma to cleaning products comes from adults," says lead researcher Professor Tim Takaro.

"Our study looked at infants, who typically spend 80-90 per cent of their time indoors and are especially vulnerable to chemical exposures through the lungs and skin due to their higher respiration rates and regular contact with household surfaces."  

They found scented and sprayed cleaning products were associated with the highest risk of respiratory issues.

The study authors believe the chemicals may damage a baby's sensitive airways, triggering an inflammatory immune response, leading to asthma.

Asthma Australia says "the results of the study do not prove causation but the potential for common household products to play a role in childhood asthma."

Leading paediatric respiratory specialists say more research is needed.