Practices in Using and Handling Household Cleaning Products in Egypt

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study is to investigate woman's practices and perceptions of using and handling of household cleaning products using qualitative and ergonomics methodology developed to reveal skills in daily life activities. A checklist and an open ended questionnaire were used in which the participants were observed and asked about the frequency of performing cleaning tasks, average monthly consumption of detergent, strategies employed for mixing products, various habits employed in cleaning, storage practices, strategies for personal protection and sharing the cleaning activities with family members. A non-probability sample of 228 volunteers, who were housewives, both employed and non-employed, with different levels of education were recruited for this study. Data were analyzed using SPSS software program. Results showed that children also contributed in domestic chores exposing themselves to chemicals. Women stated that they mixed different detergents together and over-consumed detergents. Contrasting results between the employed and non-employed women were found to be the duration of cleaning, the quantity of consumed laundry detergent and the measures of precautions and safety. The participants were consistently exposed to chemical detergents and minimal precautionary measures were taken. Cleanliness and hygiene have strong cultural values to women who prioritized those values over excessive exposure to chemicals.