More women than men suffer from asthma and the number has skyrocketed in recent years. Now a theory that household chores are making them sick. Healthcast reporter Janet Wu explains.
Are women more prone to asthma because they tend to do more cleaning? Dana Conti, who needs allergy shots to control her asthma, blames a floor cleaning solution for sending her to the hospital.
Dana Conti, Asthma Sufferer
"I was mopping my floors, and I was just almost out for the count."
Not only do more women get asthma, they have more severe, sudden attacks, more hospitalizations and more deaths. Many doctors believe household cleaning products are a trigger. Women over 30 are especially vulnerable.
Dr. Stephen Redd, Centers for Disease Control
"The rates have gone up 105 percent for females over the past 15 or so years, compared to about a 41 percent increase for males."
Some spring cleaning sent Gerry Rivers to the hospital.
Gerry Rivers, Asthma Sufferer
"It was from some all-purpose cleaners and some floor cleaners. I ended up coughing. It progressed to chest tightness."
There are ingredients to avoid.
Dr. Clifford Bassett, Allergist
"Bleach solutions or ammonia or things that are very irritating in the airwaves."
It's also best to go aerosol and fragrance free. Gerry Rivers is now cleaning the old fashioned way.
Gerry Rivers
"What my mom and my grandma used, using vinegar or using baking soda."
If you find you have any sensitivity to a particular product, stop using it. Proper ventilation is also important. When cleaning, open the windows. You may also want to wear a mask to filter out irritating dust and particles.
