In September 2017 researchers from Germany, Switzerland and The Netherlands published the results of their study to assess the association between the private use of household sprays and disinfectants with asthma incidence. A total of 2,051 young adults, aged 19-24 years, in their transition from school to working life, were included in the study. Information on exposure to household sprays and disinfectants was self-reported and the individuals were divided into groups according to frequency of use. Results of a comparison between high and no use of disinfectants showed that a high use of disinfectants was associated with more than a twofold increase in the risk of asthma occurrence. In addition, low/medium use of disinfectants was associated with asthma in remission. An association between high usage of household sprays and asthma occurrence was weak.
Weinmann T et al. Association of household cleaning agents and disinfectants with asthma in young German adults. Occup Environ Med. 2017 Sep;74(9):684-690.