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.