06/05/2026
We live in the cleanest environments in human history, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re healthier. There’s research showing that long term exposure to cleaning chemicals and disinfectants can impact lung health, especially in people exposed daily like healthcare workers, and studies such as Cleaning and lung function decline in women: the European Community Respiratory Health Survey and Association of Occupational Exposure to Disinfectants With Incidence of COPD Among US Female Nurses highlight this clearly. What’s interesting is that this doesn’t just stay in the lungs. Ongoing exposure can drive low grade inflammation and place stress on the immune system, which is where a functional medicine perspective becomes important because the body is not separate systems, it is one connected ecosystem. Even something as simple as overusing hand sanitizers can strip your skin barrier and disrupt your microbiome, which plays a role in immune function. This is not about fear or avoiding hygiene, it is about awareness and making better daily choices. Where you can, choose simpler and lower toxicity products, reduce unnecessary sprays, improve ventilation, and avoid overusing sanitizers when it is not needed. Small changes over time can make a meaningful difference to your biology.
This content is for educational purposes only and reflects a functional medicine perspective on health. It is not intended as medical advice or to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
