By Ryan Davenport, Student Pharmacist and Karen Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Songwriters Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for the Best Original Song in 1986. Take My Breath Away was written for the movie Top Gun and was sung by the group Berlin.  

Asthma can take your breath away, but can cleaning products cause more problems?

Asthma is a common long-term disease that causes inflammation and swelling of the airways. This results in the narrowing of the airways, which can cause a person to struggle with breathing. Asthma may cause them to wheeze, cough or have tightness in their chest.

Over 27 million people in the United States have asthma, which is about every 1 in 12 people. Asthma can cause breathing problems for people even when doing simple everyday activities such as cleaning. Some household cleaning products, such as bleach, ammonia-based cleaners and even cleaners labeled as organic, can cause a person’s asthma to flare up. 

A study conducted in 2023 evaluated if there was a relationship between household cleaning products and uncontrolled asthma symptoms. The study analyzed 37,043 adults, where 2,609 of these participants had asthma and compared the amount of days per week each person used 2 types of products: irritants (bleach and ammonia products) or green products (anything labeled as “organic” or “green”). 

The study researched the way individuals applied these products in formulations such as sprays or wipes. The researchers identified there was a strong relationship or association between weekly use of irritants, green products, sprays, and disinfecting wipes and uncontrolled asthma. 

In the study, the results showed individuals were at least 2-times more likely to have episodes of uncontrolled asthma when they used any of the cleaning products 4-7 days per week. This study provides insight about the association between the amount of cleaning products someone uses and the effects on asthma control. The higher the exposure to cleaning products including green products increased the risk of having an asthma attack.

When controlling asthma symptoms, it is important to use your medications properly including good inhaler technique and trying to avoid things that will trigger an asthma attack.  These triggers could include allergies, smoke, pollution and exercise for some individuals with asthma.  Now we can add cleaning products to the list.  

You can reduce the amount of cleaning product you breathe in while cleaning by opening windows, turning on ceiling fans or using portable fans to circulate the air. Another option is to wear a face mask, but be mindful of whether wearing a face mask may cause breathing to become difficult. Anyone in the household could experience worsening asthma if they are exposed to cleaning products even if they are not the one cleaning.  Be mindful of those with asthma.

Finally, if you want to avoid the commercial cleaning products altogether, you can make your own less irritating cleaning products. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests a cleaning solution made with 2 cups of vinegar, 2 cups of hot water, ½ cup of salt, and 2 cups of borax. You would then apply the solution to the area and allow it to sit for 30 minutes, apply the solution again, and begin scrubbing with a soft bristled brush and rinse well with plain water. 

Do not take my breath away with cleaning products!

ONU Healthwise is offering the flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics Monday - Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Call 419-772-3784 for more information.