Spring-Cleaning Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

Seasonal deep cleaning -- airing out bedding, washing walls and windows, and cleaning screens and floors -- is generally a good thing. However, this rite of spring can harbor some very real health threats. "The three primary sources of potential danger are cleansers combined improperly; pesticides, even when used according to direction; and lead in paint," says Sandra Mohr, MD, an environmental and occupational health specialist at National Jewish.

Household cleansers such as bleach, disinfectants and deodorizers that contain hypochlorite salts, should never be mixed with acids or alkalis (ammonia products). "Even one instance of over-exposure can cause serious respiratory damage," Dr. Mohr says. "Many people think that 'mixing' means putting both chemicals in a bucket, and they wisely avoid this. But 'mixing' also refers to using two cleaning agents on the same area. If bleach doesn't eliminate a stain in a sink or tub, don't apply ammonia over it."

Fumes from this toxic combination can cause eye, throat or nose irritation, or even serious lung problems. If the room is poorly ventilated, permanent, asthma-like symptoms may develop. Read labels on cleaning items and use accordingly. Ventilate cleaning areas, and if toxic fumes are inhaled, seek medical attention immediately.

Insecticides can be dangerous to humans, even when used according to direction. Fogging insect bombs instruct users to set them in the middle of the room, close the house and leave for six to eight hours.

"While you're gone," Dr. Mohr notes, "the carpet, drapes, sofa pillows and children's soft, plush toys absorb the pesticide. Infants and toddlers, prone to chewing and mouthing these items, may ingest toxic chemicals."

Protect absorbent surfaces with plastic or remove them from the room before using an insect fogger. Likewise, remove or cover all items in an area such as the kitchen before spraying a pesticide. Initial symptoms of exposure to the most commonly used insecticides are tearing eyes, salivation, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People with severe poisonings may experience toxic psychosis, unconsciousness, incontinence, convulsions, difficulty breathing or death.

Because lead paint in homes was not regulated until 1977, paint in older homes or paint applied before 1977 can be a health risk. "Paint chips or flakes accumulate with house dust," Dr. Mohr says. "If a child drops a lollipop, picks it up and puts it in his or her mouth again, lead flakes can get in the gastrointestinal tract.

"For children, a blood lead level of over ten micrograms per deciliter is dangerous," she says. "Higher blood lead content can result in lower IQ scores, cognitive deficits, speech and language problems, attention deficits and hearing loss."

Children from 6 months to 2 years are most at risk because they are in the crawling and mouthing-behavior stage and have a tendency to chew on rattles, bottles and toys, which are frequently dropped.

"Children exposed to lead can receive special medical treatments that help remove lead faster than the body can eliminate it," Dr. Mohr says. "If you are concerned, have your doctor take a blood sample to screen for lead. Treatment is recommended, but find the source of lead. Your home may be safe, but consider where else your child spends time -- at day care or with grandparents."

For more information on these or related topics, call LUNG LINE, (800) 222-LUNG or e-mail, lungline@njc.org.