Bleach risk to health

THE regular use of disinfectant cleaning products such as bleach has been linked to an increased risk of developing fatal lung conditions.

A study by Harvard University and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research found that using the products just once a week could increase a person’s chance of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by nearly a third.

The research involved data from more than 55,000 nurses in the US, and looked at exposure to disinfectants, including bleach, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and chemicals known as quaternary ammonium compounds, which are often used to disinfect surfaces such as floors and furniture.