Cleaning and consumer products
Exposure to cleaning and consumer products may damage the respiratory
epithelium, causing bronchial hyperresponsiveness and affecting
inflammatory pathways of the innate immune system [69]. According to
Wang et al. [70] cleaning products may also disrupt the
functionality of the bronchial epithelium, even in dilute
concentrations. Most cleaning products can induce sensitization by an
immunologic mechanism, increasing bronchial hyperreactivity to allergens
to which the individual has been previously sensitized [71]. Studies
on exposure to swimming pool environments suggested that chlorination
products may promote allergic sensitisation by compromising the
permeability or the immunoregulatory function of epithelial barriers
[71]. Hox et al. [72] in an animal model suggested that
bronchial hyperreactivity due to exposure to hypochlorite may depends on
a neuroimmune interaction involving TRPA-1-dependent stimulation of
sensory neurons and mast cell activation. Disinfectants may also change
the composition and diversity of children’ microbiome, which has been
linked to and increased risk of developing childhood asthma.