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Occupational Asthmagens in Cleaners: A Focus Group Study.

PB2012105557

Publication Date	2007
Personal Author	Arif, A. A.; Delclos, G. L.; Symanski, E.; Hughes, P.
Page Count	67
Abstract	Despite being a large part of the workforce, cleaners remained a relatively understudied occupational group in the U.S. Methods: Twelve focus group sessions were conducted in Lubbock, TX, and Houston. TX. Participants were asked about their job tasks, type of products they use to clean, job training, and work environment. Results: A total of 99 domestic and industrial cleaners participated in the focus group sessions. Three general themes emerged regarding cleaning professionals' work experiences: (1) job training; (2) chemical exposure and use; and (3) competence. Domestic cleaners demonstrated significant skills deficit among across each of these three themes as compared to industrial cleaners. Domestic cleaners reported more frequent exposure to respiratory irritants and sensitizers and also reported adverse respiratory symptoms as compared to industrial cleaners. This qualitative study suggests that domestic cleaners may be at increased risk of exposures that may have potential adverse respiratory health effects.
Keywords	Housekeeping personnel Asthma Cleaning compounds Respiratory infections Pulmonary system disorders Exposure limits Occupational exposure pathway Texas Latin Americans Hispanic Americans Latinos Chemical structure Domestic workers Health hazards Houston(Texas) Lubbock(Texas)
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	North Carolina Univ. at Charlotte.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	201213

Occupational Asthmagens in Cleaners: A Focus Group Study.

Occupational Asthmagens in Cleaners: A Focus Group Study.
PB2012105557

Publication Date	2007
Personal Author	Arif, A. A.; Delclos, G. L.; Symanski, E.; Hughes, P.
Page Count	67
Abstract	Despite being a large part of the workforce, cleaners remained a relatively understudied occupational group in the U.S. Methods: Twelve focus group sessions were conducted in Lubbock, TX, and Houston. TX. Participants were asked about their job tasks, type of products they use to clean, job training, and work environment. Results: A total of 99 domestic and industrial cleaners participated in the focus group sessions. Three general themes emerged regarding cleaning professionals' work experiences: (1) job training; (2) chemical exposure and use; and (3) competence. Domestic cleaners demonstrated significant skills deficit among across each of these three themes as compared to industrial cleaners. Domestic cleaners reported more frequent exposure to respiratory irritants and sensitizers and also reported adverse respiratory symptoms as compared to industrial cleaners. This qualitative study suggests that domestic cleaners may be at increased risk of exposures that may have potential adverse respiratory health effects.
Keywords	Housekeeping personnel Asthma Cleaning compounds Respiratory infections Pulmonary system disorders Exposure limits Occupational exposure pathway Texas Latin Americans Hispanic Americans Latinos Chemical structure Domestic workers Health hazards Houston(Texas) Lubbock(Texas)
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	North Carolina Univ. at Charlotte.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Supplemental Notes	Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	201213