Dr. Rebecca Basom

The cleaning industry is essential for maintaining hygiene and safety in the built environment, but it also comes with occupational risks. Research has shown that frequent exposure to cleaning chemicals can harm your respiratory and reproductive health and negatively affect your long-term well-being, including increasing the risk of congenital abnormalities and cancer. Women face unique vulnerabilities to cleaning chemicals due to their disproportionate representation in cleaning roles. In the United States, 88% of workers in the “maids and housekeeping” industry are female, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, societal norms often place women in caregiving roles that involve frequent cleaning tasks at home, further increasing their exposure to hazardous chemicals like ammonia, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), phthalates, and fragrances known for causing respiratory problems, skin irritation, allergies, hormonal disruptions, and reproductive health issues. Biological factors also play a role in worker risks. Many toxic chemicals accumulate in fat tissue, and women generally have a higher percentage of body fat than men, which can lead to prolonged retention of harmful substances. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause can make women more sensitive to chemical interactions that disrupt their reproductive health or increase cancer risks. For example, toxins absorbed during pregnancy can cross the placenta, increasing risks of low birth weight in infants or developmental delays in children. Look to the research When evaluating health and safety issues for workers, consider the findings of researchers regarding the effects of cleaning chemicals on women’s health. One of the most well-documented risks of cleaning chemicals is their impact on lung health. A long-term study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that women who worked as professional cleaners or used cleaning sprays regularly experienced a significant decline in lung function over time—comparable to smoking 10-20 cigarettes daily for several years. This decline was linked to daily exposure to products like disinfectant sprays and air fresheners, which release tiny particles that are easily inhaled into the air. These workers were also found to have higher rates of asthma and chronic breathing problems, including coughing and wheezing. The risk was particularly high for those using spray-based products multiple times a day or working in poorly ventilated spaces. Research also has highlighted significant dangers to women’s fertility and reproductive health, along with the health of their offspring, associated with cleaning chemicals. Fertility issues: Exposure to certain chemicals has been linked to reduced fertility in women. A study by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai researchers published in Science of The Total Environment found that exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or “forever” chemicals), commonly found in household products, reduced fertility rates by as much as 40%. Pregnancy complications: Chemicals such as glycol ethers (found in glass cleaners) and phthalates (used in fragranced products) have been associated with complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight, according to research published in the journals Epidemiology and Fertility and Sterility. Congenital abnormalities: Studies have shown higher rates of congenital abnormalities among children born to women exposed to cleaning chemicals during pregnancy. For example, in animal studies, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) used in disinfectants have been linked to neural tube defects and other developmental issues. Pregnant women exposed to glycol ethers were significantly more likely to have children with congenital abnormalities such as neural tube defects and cleft lip, according to research published in the journal Human Reproduction. Neurodevelopmental effects: Children born to mothers exposed to high levels of glycol ethers may experience developmental delays, including lower intelligence test scores and impaired motor function, according to preliminary research published in Environmental Health Perspectives and Environment International. Menstrual irregularities: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) through cleaning products may lead to menstrual irregularities, including changes in cycle length, heavy or light bleeding, and infertility. Choosing cleaning products labeled as EDC-free or with low volatile organic compound (VOC) formulations can help minimize exposure. Long-term exposure to certain cleaning chemicals has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer among women working in the industry. Breast cancer: Ingredients found in fragranced products, such as synthetic musks and parabens, mimic natural hormones in the body and have been associated with higher rates of breast cancer in female workers exposed over many years, according to research published in the journal Scientific Reports. Lung cancer: Women employed as professional cleaners face twice the risk of developing lung cancer compared to those in other professions, according to research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. This risk is attributed to prolonged exposure to carcinogenic compounds such as chloroform (a byproduct of bleach) and benzene derivatives (found in some detergents). Reduce risks through safer practices Fortunately, we can take four steps to help protect our cleaning teams from the hazards of cleaning chemicals. Choose safer products: Choosing products with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice label can significantly lower chemical exposure while maintaining effective cleaning standards. Fragrance-free options are particularly beneficial as they avoid hidden harmful ingredients like phthalates and synthetic musks, according to research published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Ensure proper ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow during cleaning tasks helps reduce inhalation risks from fumes or airborne particles released by sprays or disinfectants. Wear protective equipment: Providing gloves and goggles to your cleaning team members protects them from direct contact with irritants like bleach or ammonia and also helps reduce the risk of skin irritation or accidental eye injuries. Avoid mixing chemicals: Mixing different cleaning agents can produce toxic fumes or chemical reactions that pose immediate dangers. By adopting these safer practices and raising awareness about potential chemical hazards among the workforce, cleaning teams can ensure a healthier future for their female workers. The cleaning profession is vital for public health—but it shouldn’t come at the expense of worker well-being. Addressing these challenges today will help secure a safer tomorrow for everyone involved in this essential industry.

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Dr. Rebecca Basom

Practicing Physician and Professor of Medicine and Public Health Science, Penn State Hershey Medical Center

Articles by Dr. Rebecca Basom

Protecting Women From Cleaning Chemical Hazards

Health and Safety

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