8263169 Occupational exposures to disinfectants and cleaning products, their chemical composition and Ménag’Score® index, and asthma symptoms in CRESPI daycare workers

<h3>Objective</h3> While adverse respiratory health effects of exposure to disinfectants and cleaning products (DCPs) are well-documented in healthcare workers/cleaners, no study was performed on daycare workers. Moreover, few studies have identified health related specific compounds. We evaluated associations between occupational exposures to DCPs (composition/Ménag’Score®-Health) and asthma in daycare workers from the French CRESPI study. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> The use of DCPs in daycares was assessed using a smartphone application, allowing to scan barcodes and collect names, frequency of use. Chemical compounds of DCPs allowed an expert from the French National Institute for Consumption to classify them as quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS), irritants and sensitizers, using the European Union Classification Labelling Packaging regulation. <h3>Results</h3> Among 608 scanned DCPs, 323 had an exhaustive ingredient list (53%), for which a Ménag’Score®-Health index (A:no risk, E:high risk) was assigned. We studied associations between weekly use of DCPs (≥2 versus 0-1), number of ingredients, Ménag’Score®-Health (C/D/E versus no weekly use/A/B) and asthma symptoms (0-5) using binomial negative regressions adjusted for age and smoking status, and accounted for center effect. Analyses were performed in 311 women (43 years, current smokers: 11%, child care: 69%, administrative staff: 24%, cleaner/cooker: 7%). Weekly use of ≥2DCPs (70%, Mean Score Ratio=1.50[1.10-2.04]) was associated with asthma. No significant association was observed for ≥3irritants (81%, MSR=1.23[0.90-1.68]), ≥1sensitizer (76%, MSR=1.05[0.79-1.39]), ≥1QUAT (63%, MSR=1.20[0.92-1.55]). Weekly use of DCPs with a Ménag’Score®-Health C/D/E (53%) was non-significantly associated with asthma (MSR=1.33[0.91-1.93], n=231). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Weekly exposures to various DCPs in daycares was associated with an increased risk of asthma.