The Proportion of Work-Related Asthma among Tertiary Care Hospital Workers Exposed to Cleaning Agents
Keywords:
work-related asthma, cleaning agents, hospital workersAbstract
Objective: Work-related asthma (WRA) is a common type of asthma among the working-age population. Patients with WRA often experience symptoms that impair job performance. Cleaning agents are one of the irritant agents that can cause WRA. While cleaners are typically exposed, other jobs may also be at risk of similar exposure. This study aims to determine the proportion of WRA among hospital workers exposed to cleaning agents. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University. A total of 341 healthcare workers who reported exposure to any cleaning agents were included in the study. The European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire was used to screen for asthma-like symptoms. Participants were further assessed and monitored using Mini-Wright peak flow meters, with results analyzed by the OASYS program. Results: The results showed that 27 participants exhibited asthma-like symptoms. Of these, 19 (5.5%) out of 341 participants were classified as having possible WRA, while 8 (2.3%) were classified as probable WRA. No participants were classified as definite WRA. Among those with symptoms, all had either direct or indirect exposure to cleaning agents in the workplace. The clinical symptoms were consistent with irritant-induced asthma resulting from chronic low-concentration exposure. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of WRA between those with direct and indirect exposure (OR 3.24; 95% CI: 0.84–2.11). Conclusion: Work-related asthma (WRA) can be caused by irritant compounds in cleaning agents, which are suspected to be a primary cause due to chronic low-concentration exposure. Physicians should prioritize obtaining detailed exposure histories and conducting early screenings to enable timely intervention. The most effective strategy for mitigating the risk of WRA is to minimize workers' exposure to cleaning agents by implementing the hierarchy of controls. Selecting non-irritant cleaning agents, or at least those with lower irritant properties, is essential for reducing occupational respiratory risks.
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