Household sprays and scented products affect cardiovascular health

The latest results of the SAPALDIA study indicate that household sprays and aromatic products may affect cardiovascular health. It was known that these products affect respiratory health but has now been found that may affect the heart rhythm.

In fact, an international collaboration of scientists led by the Swiss Institute of Public Health and Tropical CREAL investigated whether prolonged use of household sprays and perfumed products in the home was associated with a reduction of heart rate variability, an established marker of cardiac autonomic dysfunction, in 581 adults. Most participants were women, many of whom were housewives.

A significant alteration of heart rate variability was observed in association with the frequent use of cleaning sprays, air fresheners and scented products. Compared with study participants who had never used sprays or scented products, the use of air fresheners from 4 to 7 days a week was associated with a significant decrease of heart rate variability.

The results suggest that long-term frequent use of household cleaning sprays and perfumed products can affect cardiovascular health. The further investigation of potential effects for the cardiovascular health of cleaning products for home study to other populations, especially in studies with follow participants over time was also justified.