Cleaning Products May Lead to Heart Problems

A new study suggests that the long-term use of household cleaning sprays and scented products such as room fresheners may increase the risk of heart problems in women over 50 years old.

Scientists from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and Basel University measured the heart activity of 581 adults over 50 years old and compared it with data on their reported use of household cleaning sprays and scented products, according to the study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

The research found that frequent use of these products was linked to decreases in two markers of heart rate variability. Heart rate variability (HRV) is considered an indicator for increased cardiovascular problems.

However, use of air freshening sprays was linked to the greatest HRV reductions. Women who used air freshening sprays 4-7 days per week were found to have a decrease of more than 10 percent in both HRV measures, compared with unexposed participants, according to the study. It also found that women with preexisting pulmonary conditions may be more susceptible to heart problems associated with exposure to cleaning products.

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