Exposure to cleaning chemicals increases asthma risk

CHARLOTTE, NC — A recent study at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte shows that nurses frequently exposed to cleaning chemicals are at a higher risk for developing asthma than other health care workers, according to McKnight's Long-Term Care.

Routine exposure to common cleaners like bleach increases asthma risks by 72 percent, with 57 percent more likely to report asthma-like symptoms, the story stated.

Switching to less toxic, green chemicals can significantly reduce the respiratory risks involved with prolonged exposure, the story noted.

The full report can be found in the online journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the story added.