Data link nurse disinfectant exposure to COPD

An analysis of data on female nurses participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II found a significant association between occupational exposure to disinfectants and the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among the 73,262 nurses studied, 16,786 (23%) reported weekly use of disinfectants to clean surfaces only, and 13,899 (19%) reported weekly use of disinfectants to clean medical instruments. The study’s findings suggest regular use of chemical disinfectants among nurses may increase the risk of developing COPD by 25% to 38%. The risk of COPD incidence was highest among nurses engaged in cleaning or disinfection tasks 4-7 days a week. Several specific disinfectants, including hypochlorite bleach (chlorine), hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and quaternary ammonium compounds and glutaraldehyde, were associated with higher risk of developing COPD. The researchers concluded their findings support an urgent need for “the development of exposure reduction strategies that remain compatible with infection control in health care settings.” (JAMA Network Open article, 10/18/19)