Are ‘clean freaks’ risking their health?

Would you describe yourself as a clean freak? It’s a term some wear proudly. Others might use it in a slightly derogatory sense for those they consider overly obsessive about cleanliness and germs. 

Regardless of how one views such people, at least we know their enthusiasm for cleanliness delivers healthy outcomes. Or does it? New research suggests that those who use three specific household products could be increasing their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Could it be that the clean freaks among us are unintentionally producing the polar opposite outcome to the one driving their behaviour?

A cautionary clean freak tale

The peer-reviewed study was published this month in the online journal of experimental biology, Cell. The authors, all researchers at Ningxia Medical University in Yinchuan, China, highlighted three major findings. These were:

• the use of household chemicals by elderly people can lead to cognitive decline
• combined exposure to household chemicals products is more important than a single product
• household chemicals can affect cognitive decline in different dimensions.

Some may be surprised by the three household products identified as potential key players in this cognitive decline. I certainly was by two of the three. Perhaps not surprisingly, given their strong chemical component, the first of those is a perennial clean freak favourite – disinfectants. 

The other two are air fresheners and anti-caries agents. Caries is another term for the cavities caused by tooth decay. While the authors do not specify particular anti-caries agents in their study, presumably they are predominantly toothpaste and fluoride.

Their results showed that the more frequent the use of these household chemicals, the worse the decline in cognitive functions. On top of that, combined exposure to all three also exacerbated the decline.

Who is most at risk?

As suggested in the three major findings, the elderly appear to be particularly vulnerable. In this case, elderly is defined as those aged 65 or older. The other significant factor was gender. In fact, the results showed a far greater correlation between the use of these products and cognitive decline in women. 

The authors suggested the fact that women were more extensively involved in household cleaning as a potentially attributing factor. 

Those who were exposed to the three chemicals in combination also showed an increased risk. That’s not to suggest that clean freaks are cleaning the toilet while brushing their teeth. Rather, it probably suggests the use of all three in fairly rapid succession, leading to a potentially more harmful chemical combination.

Lessons for clean freaks

It’s important not to overreact to studies such as these. As with all research, the old ‘correlation is not causation’ rule applies here. Furthermore, very few such studies have been done in this area. In fact, the authors’ own conclusion reads: “To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the correlation between the usage of household chemicals and cognitive function in Chinese older adults.”

That statement also raises another factor for so-called clean freaks. All data for this study was sourced from participants living in China. This leaves open the possibility of influences particular to that country – for example diet or pollution levels – as contributory factors.

Even if the results were replicated elsewhere, any risks would need to be balanced with those of not cleaning. 

Probably the main lesson to learn from this study is to ensure your house is well ventilated during and after cleaning sprees. Better still, head outside for some fresh air, again, both during and after these sessions. 

That way you can proudly, and probably safely, continue to wear your ‘clean freak’ badge!

Would you call yourself a clean freak? Do you take any precautions when using strong cleaning agents? Let us know via the comments section below.

Also read: How household cleaning products can promote bugs

Health disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.