Chemical Substance Exposure of Some Cleaning Workers in Korea: Focusing on Inhalation Exposure

Abstract

This study aimed to prevent health damage caused by chemical exposure among cleaning workers who use cleaning agents and disinfectants in facility management and kitchen areas. We analyzed 5 years of measurement data (2016–2020) for cleaning workers across various industries in Korea, and conducted an exposure survey and health risk assessment for the two most frequently measured substances (i.e., 2-butoxyethanol and sodium hydroxide) and representative substances generated by their combined use (i.e., chlorine and chloroform). The findings indicate that when chlorine was generated by mixing hypochlorite-based disinfectants (e.g., bleach) with acidic cleaners containing substances such as nitric, hydrochloric, or citric acid, the risk index for chlorine gas (based on the 95th percentile exposure values) was 5.65 in the facility management cleaning industry, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 1. Because of the high usage and exposure frequency of cleaning and disinfecting agents and the common practice of mixing multiple products to enhance cleaning efficacy, it is necessary to manage hazardous risk factors by providing education on appropriate working methods, supplying personal protective equipment, and installing ventilation systems for these workers. Further research on the health risk assessment of combined chemical use is needed.