– Clean water works, says Øistein Svanes. Soaps and cleaning agents are often permanent fixtures both in private homes and in the washing trolleys of professional cleaning workers. But the chemicals should be removed, Svanes believes. He is a pulmonologist at Østfold Hospital and has researched the connection between detergents and lung disease. – Special detergent in spray form should be avoided because it forms droplets in the air. It is not meant to enter your lungs. Øistein Svanes, section chief physician at the lung department at Østfold Kalnes Hospital. Photo: Sykehuset Østfold In his doctoral work, he investigated the short- and long-term consequences of exposure to cleaning agents on respiratory health. There is one finding in particular that worries the doctor. – Children of reindeer herding workers had a higher risk of asthma and asthma symptoms before the age of ten. It is worrying to see that children can also be affected by the career choice of their mothers, says Svanes. Warnings against spray cleaning It has previously been known that detergent in spray form can be harmful to the health of those who are directly exposed. Lungelegen believes that everyone, not just cleaning workers, should be extra careful if they use detergent in spray form. – If you are going to use cleaning agent in spray form, it is advisable to spray directly on a cloth instead of out into the open air. The contents of the spray bottle are not meant to be inhaled, he says. Jarus Pettersen has worked as a cleaning worker in Fredrikstad for over 19 years. She thrives in work where she washes various surfaces in several buildings. Jarus Pettersen dilutes the strongest cleaning agents. She also wears a mask sometimes where she has to use a spray. Photo: Rahand Bazaz / news Ho is aware of the risks of various detergents in spray form. – Not everyone can become a cleaning worker today. You must have good knowledge of what you use, and that is why we are careful, says Pettersen. Cleaning agents that contain large amounts of chemicals can also cause symptoms of poisoning in those who are exposed to them. – I have worked in places where we have to wear a mask before you spray on. It is important that we get information about the place we are going to wash, but also that we know the product well, she says. Pettersen has extensive experience in the reindeer herding industry. Photo: Rahand Bazaz / news Suspicion LHL confirmed, formerly known as the National Association for Heart and Lung Disease, thinks the new research is exciting. Secretary General Helle Grøttum at LHL Asthma and Allergy thinks the new research results are exciting. Photo: Eirik Harstad – There is too little research into long-term effects. The fact that he has researched the effects for future generations is exciting, says general secretary Helle Grøttum at LHL Asthma and Allergy. The Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association (NAAF) says the research confirms a suspicion they have long had. – It is not illogical that this has a connection, but it is good that he has now taken a closer look at it, says Mona Marthinussen, regional secretary of NAAF Østfold. – Chemical substances you ingest can affect your child if you are pregnant. It’s like smoking during pregnancy. Maintenance worker Jarus Pettersen is happy to share his best tip for washing. The long experience in the cleaning industry has taught her a special technique that always works – completely without the risk of chemicals. – Water and microfiber cloth. It works best and is efficient, she says. Jarus Pettersen believes a microfiber cloth and a little water works well enough for most washing. Photo: Rahand Bazaz / news Are you thinking of something? Hi! Do you want to tip me off about a possible case? Feel free to contact us by e-mail.
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New research on lung disease and washing – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
