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Clean in the right way

For obvious reasons, cleaning and sanitising have come under the spotlight during the Covid-19 pandemic. But how are we affected by the products and chemicals that are used? Karin Lovén recently defended her doctoral thesis in aerosol technology about how cleaning products affect the health of professional cleaners. Here, she lists facts about cleaning products that everyone ought to know.

Jessika Sellergren – Published 25 February 2021

A student walking down stairs. Photo.
A clean house, but not at the expense of the health of professional cleaners. Everyone would be wise to review the chemicals they use for cleaning, and in what form, says Karin Lovén. Photo: Kennet Ruona

1.  It can be dangerous to inhale cleaning spray

“When chemicals from cleaning sprays end up in the air, they also reach our respiratory organs. In my research, I have observed that the inhalation of particles from cleaning sprays can cause nasal swelling and eye irritation. A European study has also shown that lung function can deteriorate when a person is exposed regularly and over a long period. In brief, those who work as professional cleaners run a greater risk of health impact than others”.

2.  Foam is better than spray

“Cleaning products that foam are better than sprays. The concentration of both particles and gases in the air is lower with these products compared with spray products, and fewer chemicals risk ending up in our lungs. Changing from a spray to a foam nozzle is a simple measure for more healthy cleaning.”

3.  Avoid the worst chemicals

“Some cleaning products contain chemicals with a greater impact on health than others. Ammonia and bleach are two examples of substances you should avoid – they are extra irritating to the respiratory organs.”

4.  Avoid spraying disinfectant

“Something to be extra vigilant about now when cleaning a lot with virus-killing products is to be careful with spraying disinfectant as an aerosol. This enables particles from the disinfectant to damage respiratory organs and lungs. With the current risk of infection, it is important to use disinfectant on surfaces and hands, but preferably not in spray form.”

5.  In many cases, a microfibre cloth and water will do the job

“A damp microfibre cloth is good for picking up dirt. The cloth should not be soaked in water, but not bone dry either. Personally, I avoid sprays of course and prefer to use a bucket of water with a bit of effective cleaning product added. But in the Covid-19 pandemic, we want to be on the safe side. By using surface disinfectants in the right concentration, for example, we can be sure to kill the virus.”

Karin Lovén. Portrait picture.

Project on cleaning products and cleaners’ health

Together with researchers in aerosol technology at LTH and Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Lund University, Karin Lovén has investigated health effects on 225 professional cleaners through both surveys and laboratory studies. The project has been underway since 2014 with funding from insurance company AFA Försäkring.