The findings could have implications for workers who regularly have to breathe the fumes from cleaning chemicals Andy Lauwers/Rex FeaturesCleaning the house once a week with bleach or other disinfectants could increase the risk of developing fatal lung diseases, according to a study. More than 55,000 female nurses in the US observed over eight years were found to have a 24 to 32 per cent higher risk than average of having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings could also have implications for cleaners and other workers who regularly have to breathe the fumes from cleaning chemicals. COPD is a group of lung conditions usually associated with smoking that cause breathing difficulties. It includes emphysema, where there is permanent damage to the air sacs, or chronic bronchitis, in which the airways suffer long-term inflammation.

Source: The Times September 10, 2017 23:48 UTC