A long-term study from Norway has revealed something many of us never expected — frequent use of cleaning sprays and chemical household products may harm your lungs as much as smoking 20 cigarettes a day.
Researchers from the University of Bergen followed over 6,000 men and women across Europe for more than 20 years to see how cleaning habits affected lung health. The results were alarming: people, especially women who cleaned often at home or worked as professional cleaners, experienced a significant decline in lung function over time.
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Cleaning May Be More Dangerous Than You Think
We often associate lung problems with smoking or air pollution, but this research suggests that common cleaning products — the same ones we spray every week — can be equally harmful in the long run.
According to the study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, women who regularly used cleaning sprays had a faster decline in lung capacity compared to those who didn’t. Over 20 years, their lung function dropped as if they had been smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.
Researchers believe this happens because tiny chemical particles and fumes released by sprays irritate and inflame the airways. These substances, when inhaled repeatedly, can slowly damage the delicate lining of the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties, chronic cough, and even long-term conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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What the Study Found
The study tracked participants’ lung health using tests that measure FEV₁ (the amount of air you can exhale in one second) and FVC (the total air exhaled after a deep breath).
Women who cleaned at home lost about 22 milliliters of lung capacity per year, compared to 18.5 milliliters in women who didn’t clean regularly.
For professional cleaners, the decline was even steeper.
Interestingly, the study didn’t find the same effect in men, possibly because fewer men were employed as cleaners or exposed to these products as frequently.
Professor Cecile Svanes, one of the researchers, said the results suggest that long-term exposure to cleaning chemicals could cause “substantial damage to the lungs,” comparable to years of smoking.
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Why Cleaning Sprays Are the Main Culprit
Not all cleaning is equally risky. The study found that spray-based cleaners — like air fresheners, oven cleaners, or multi-surface sprays — were the biggest problem.
These products release fine aerosol particles that linger in the air and are easily inhaled deep into the lungs. Once there, they can cause irritation, inflammation, and scarring over time.
Liquid cleaning agents or products applied with cloths tend to be less harmful, especially when used in well-ventilated spaces.
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Safer Cleaning Alternatives
Experts say you don’t need to stop cleaning your home — just clean smarter. Reducing exposure to harsh chemicals and sprays can go a long way toward protecting your lungs. Here are a few simple and natural alternatives:
Vinegar: Excellent for glass, tile, and bathroom cleaning. It kills bacteria and cuts through grease naturally.
Baking soda: Works as a gentle scrub for sinks, ovens, and tough stains.
Lemon juice: Naturally acidic and great for removing odors and soap scum.
Microfiber cloths: Can remove dirt and dust with just water — no chemicals needed.
Good ventilation: Always open windows or use a fan while cleaning to let fumes escape.
Environmental experts and doctors also recommend avoiding products labeled “antibacterial” unless absolutely necessary, as these often contain chemicals that contribute to both lung irritation and antibiotic resistance.
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Protecting Your Lungs for the Future
Our lungs are delicate organs that never truly regenerate once damaged. While you might not notice the harm right away, years of inhaling chemical fumes from sprays can silently weaken your breathing capacity.
Switching to natural cleaning products and reducing the use of aerosols is a simple step with long-term benefits — especially for women and professional cleaners who do this work daily.
This study serves as an important reminder: the air inside our homes can be just as polluted as the air outside. Taking small, mindful steps today can help keep your lungs strong for decades to come.
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Sources:
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (University of Bergen study, 2018)
University of Bergen press release: “Cleaning at Home and at Work Linked to Lung Damage”
Science Norway: “Household Cleaners Can Be as Bad as Smoking for Your Lungs”