What does research say about cleaning sprays and lung function?
Sara IdenforsShort answer
Cleaning products are used daily in many homes and workplaces. Research from the University of Bergen, published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, has shown an association between long-term, frequent use of cleaning sprays and faster decline in lung function among certain groups of users. The study did not examine individual products or brands, but it highlights that how a product is applied may affect the user’s exposure.
Why the researchers examined cleaning sprays
When a spray is used, the cleaning agent is dispersed into small droplets (aerosols).
Some of the droplets hit the surface being cleaned.
Others may remain in the air for a short time and be inhaled by the person using the product.
This was the type of long-term exposure the researchers wanted to investigate.
What did the Bergen study show?
The researchers followed participants for many years and analyzed the association between the use of cleaning products and lung function.
The study showed that regular, long-term use of cleaning sprays was associated with:
- faster decline in lung function,
- an increased incidence of airway obstruction among women.
The study identifies a statistical association and does not show that any particular product causes these effects.
What types of chemicals did the research cover?
The study covered a broad range of cleaning products.
In research contexts, substances that may occur in certain cleaning agents are mentioned, including:
- ammonia,
- chlorine-based cleaning agents,
- glycol ethers,
- perchloroethylene (in certain specialty products).
This does not mean that all cleaning products contain these substances, or that VästerbottensSåpa’s limescale remover does (it does not).
What does this have to do with limescale remover?
It is important to distinguish between:
The research from Bergen
which concerns spray application and long-term exposure,
and the laboratory test of VästerbottensSåpa’s limescale remover
which concerns the product’s documented cleaning performance on a standardized limescale and soap test material.
The two studies therefore examine different questions.
Why we chose a gel instead of a spray
When VästerbottensSåpa’s limescale remover was developed, a gel formulation was chosen for several reasons.
A gel:
- stays on vertical surfaces longer,
- provides longer contact time with the limescale deposits,
- is applied directly to the surface without being dispersed into a spray mist.
This describes the product’s design and is not a conclusion from the laboratory report.
Documented cleaning performance
VästerbottensSåpa’s limescale remover was tested by Center For Testmaterials BV.
The laboratory evaluated its cleaning performance against a standardized test material with limescale and soap deposits on black ceramic and reported the result as the Soil Release Index (SRI), together with photographic documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bergen study show that all cleaning sprays are dangerous?
No. The study shows an association between long-term, frequent use of cleaning sprays and lung function at the group level. It does not show that every spray product is harmful or that all users experience problems.
Did the researchers examine VästerbottensSåpa’s limescale remover?
No.
The study did not include VästerbottensSåpa’s products or compare different brands.
Is a gel completely risk-free?
No cleaning product is completely risk-free if used incorrectly. Always follow the product’s instructions and use it as recommended.
Why does VästerbottensSåpa use a pump bottle?
The pump bottle makes it possible to apply the gel directly to the surface without creating a fine spray mist.
Conclusion
Research from the University of Bergen highlights that long-term use of cleaning sprays may be associated with impaired lung function among certain groups of users. However, the study says nothing about individual products or brands. VästerbottensSåpa’s limescale remover was developed as a gel that is applied directly to the surface, while its cleaning performance has been documented separately through an independent laboratory test on standardized limescale and soap test material.