Question Is exposure to disinfectants and cleaning products associated with incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among health care workers?
Findings In a cohort study of 73 262 US female nurses participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II who were followed up from 2009 to 2015, occupational exposure to cleaning products and disinfectants was significantly associated with a 25% to 38% increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease independent of asthma and smoking.
Meaning This study’s findings suggest that regular use of chemical disinfectants among nurses may be a risk factor for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
