Cleaning sprays - recommendations for safe use

Users:

When products are formulated using sprays, a cloud of particles (aerosol) is formed. The particles can be inhaled.

Therefore - if you can choose an alternative product such as a spray that produces a foam instead of an aerosol, a tube with a  paste or just a cleaning agent in water - then do so -> The risk of inhalation is minimised.

Spray cans make smaller particles that stay longer in the air, than larger particles made by so-called trigger sprays (those that you have to pump yourself) - so therefore as larger drops are less prone to enter the deep airways consider using trigger spray-formulated products -> The risk of inhalation is reduced.

Check the safety data sheet and try to avoid products with substances that cause toxicity e.g. asthma (respiratory sensitisation marked as H334)/(respiratory irritation marked H335). Avoid products with perfume - they are not necessary for cleaning efficiency - and may have health effects.

If you really need to use spray products. Then do it with appropriate ventilation and consider using appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) (masks, face shields, gloves, protective clothing). Keep colleagues away from the work zone.

In general, keep spray cans away from open fire, extreme heat (do not leave it in the glovebox), any source of ignition, or sunlight - the cans may burst.

Likewise, discard spray cans that are damaged (e.g. by punctures or corrosion) as they may become a dangerous projectile.

Dispose of cans that are not used anymore according to existing regulations (even empty cans may contain chemicals).

Consultants and other occupational health and safety professionals:

Can look for products with the fewest substances that have an asthma potential. Here we have knowledge of substances in cleaning products.

Think about how we can avoid chemicals - why not put a descaler on the water inlet in a hotel so that descaler-substances are not needed?

Manufacturers:

Use our research to create safe-by design where products with lower risk of asthmagens are developed, e.g., by using the link above.

Regulatory bodies:

Can use our data to get an overview of the area and as basis for future regulation

I was recently interviewed with my good colleague Jorid Sørli about asthma and cleaning agents. The article was published in Samvirke.dk with this link

It is in Danish – but here are the main messages:

Cleaning agents in spray form can cause asthma – some may think they are easy to use as the aerosol is transferred to the surface to be cleaned. However, the particles in the aerosol also enter the deeper parts of the airways where the ingredients can cause asthma

In contrast to the skin, which is a barrier that protects the body from the chemicals, the chemicals can easily cross the lung epithelium.

One thing that can be done is to avoid spray products altogether – try to look for products that are in a tube or plastic vessel – the latter are often diluted with water to obtain the final liquid.

If you do choose to use a spray then use a trigger spray – the type you pump by hand. Trigger sprays produce larger drops than pressurised cans. The larger drops from trigger sprays are less likely to end up in the deeper parts of the lungs than the smaller droplets from the pressurised cans.

At the National Research Institute for the Working Environment in Denmark, we have also shown that droplets remain airborne twice as long when pressurised cans are used compared with trigger sprays.

Also, spray into a cleaning cloth and then apply the product to the surface – this helps avoid

releasing aerosol into the air.

And always read the product guidance.

Link to the report - it is in Danish - but has a summary in English

The research project also found the most common spray products on the Danish market to be

glass and mirror cleaner, disinfectants, toilet and bathroom cleaners, and oven and grill cleaners.