(January 22, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Regular use of cleaning agents, glues, and solvents as well as powdered latex gloves is associated with a substantial increased risk for developing asthma symptoms among nurses, according to a survey in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Here is some information about occupational asthma:

•    It is a disease of the lungs characterized by inflammation in the airway that is caused by exposure to a trigger in the workplace.

•    Most often, the trigger is something that is inhaled.

•    The more time a person is exposed to the trigger, the worse the asthma can become.

Researchers from the University of North Carolina surveyed over 900 nurses about how often their jobs require them to use various forms of products containing harsh chemicals as well as about whether they have developed symptoms of asthma.

After taking into account factors that might affect asthma rates, nurses were 67% more likely to report developing symptoms of asthma if they were involved in medical instrument cleaning and 72% more likely if they were regularly exposed to general cleaning products and disinfectants. Exposure to adhesives, glues, or solvents used in patient care was linked with a 51% increase in developing symptoms similar to asthma. Exposure to powdered latex gloves between 1992 and 2000 was linked with a 60% increased risk of developing asthma symptoms.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Ahmed Arif, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight.

Today's research suggests there is a need to move to "greener" products and use protective gear when use of harsh chemicals is unavoidable.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.