Cleaning for asthma-safer schools reduces asthma risk, saves money
By Debbie Shrem, MPH; Justine Weinberg, MSEHS, CIH; Jennifer Flattery, MPH; Barbara Materna, PhD, CIH
A 43-year-old high-school custodian started having breathing problems he associated with using a bathroom disinfectant and a floor stripper. When he was away from the chemicals for a few months, his breathing problems improved. The problems came back once he returned to work. He visited the emergency room several times, and healthcare providers repeatedly told him he had bronchitis. The custodian was finally diagnosed with asthma. About a year later, he left his job because of his work-related asthma.