JAMA Network Open 6-year study links disinfectant exposure and COPD
In a large occupational health cohort study following 73,262 nurses over 6 years, weekly exposure to chemical disinfectants was significantly associated with a 25-38% increased risk of developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) independent of smoking and asthma.4 This research supports prior findings linking disinfectant exposure to respiratory complications, such as asthma. The CDC reports that chronic lower respiratory disease (which includes COPD and asthma) is the fourth leading cause of death in the US, with over 160,000 deaths in 2018.12
JAMA Network Open study suggests need for safer, alternative disinfection methods
In order to limit risk for COPD and other respiratory issues among staff, JAMA points to the need for new disinfection procedures which reduce chemical exposure. Additionally, JAMA suggests that hospitals and other healthcare facilities consider emerging disinfection technologies to help prevent these conditions.4
