Key TakeawaysA new study has linked an increase in home cleaning and disinfecting amid the COVID-19 pandemic to worsening asthma symptoms.The researchers theorize that volatile organic compounds in cleaning products are likely the cause of respiratory irritation in people with asthma.While it’s not clear whether COVID-19 can be spread on surfaces, face masks, handwashing, and social distancing continue to be the most effective defenses against the virus.

Key Takeaways

A new study has linked an increase in home cleaning and disinfecting amid the COVID-19 pandemic to worsening asthma symptoms.The researchers theorize that volatile organic compounds in cleaning products are likely the cause of respiratory irritation in people with asthma.While it’s not clear whether COVID-19 can be spread on surfaces, face masks, handwashing, and social distancing continue to be the most effective defenses against the virus.

When theCOVID-19 pandemicbegan last March, people dashed to get ahold of Lysol wipes andhand sanitizerto clean their homes. But a December study published in theJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practicefound that as more household disinfectants were introduced, people withasthmawere negatively affected.

How to Safely Clean Your Home

The researchers asked participants about cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing—including how often they washed their hands, usedhand sanitizer, or cleaned with household disinfectants (either commercially manufactured orsimple bleach and water combinations)—both before and after the start of the pandemic.

The researchers also asked the participants how often they had episodes of uncontrolled asthma symptoms, including how often they used rescue inhalers.

Key findings from the survey included that:

What This Means For YouProper sanitation can help keep our homes and offices free of COVID-19. However, if you struggle with asthma or other respiratory conditions, be mindful of the cleaning products you use. Options like hydrogen peroxide or 70% alcohol are less likely to worsen your symptoms. If you are using more irritating commercial cleaners, make sure that there is proper ventilation to lessen the effects of VOCs, which are known to trigger asthma attacks.

What This Means For You

Proper sanitation can help keep our homes and offices free of COVID-19. However, if you struggle with asthma or other respiratory conditions, be mindful of the cleaning products you use. Options like hydrogen peroxide or 70% alcohol are less likely to worsen your symptoms. If you are using more irritating commercial cleaners, make sure that there is proper ventilation to lessen the effects of VOCs, which are known to trigger asthma attacks.

What Are Volatile Organic Compounds?

Co-author of the new study, Sharmilee Nyenhuis, MD, director of the Allergy/Asthma/Immunology clinics at Illinois Health, tells Verywell that while disinfectants are a great idea, many of the chemicals that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certifiedcan kill coronavirusescontain known asthma irritants called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

According to the EPA, VOCs are “compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility.”

VOCs can have various side effects. They can trigger asthma attacks, cause headaches and fatigue, and damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. VOCs are more dangerous indoors where the concentration is higher. If you have to use a product that contains VOCs, try to use it outside where the airflow can lessen the effects.

“There are other options that have been shown to killCOVID on surfaces, such as hydrogen peroxide and 70% isopropyl alcohol,” Nyenhuis says. “Neither of those disinfectants has VOCs, and they work just as well as commercial cleaners.”

How to Prevent Headaches from Cleaning Products

Keep Masking, Handwashing, and Social Distancing

Research has since shown that the COVID-19 virus is not as easily transmissible on hard surfaces as originally believed.However, the authors of the study, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), still recommend disinfecting the high-touch areas of your home.

Using commercials cleaners several times a week may increase the likelihood of an asthma attack, but using less irritating options like hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol can help mitigate the effects.

Nyenhuis stresses that thebest defenses against COVID-19are washing your hands after using the bathroom and before eating or touching your face and practicing social distancing.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

4 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Eldeirawi K, Huntington-Moskos L, Nyenhuis SM, Polivka B.Increased disinfectant use among adults with asthma in the era of COVID-19[published online ahead of print,J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. S2213-2198(20)31402-1. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.12.038

United States Environmental Protection Agency.What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Guidance For Cleaning and Disinfection Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes.

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