Chemical risks associated with cleaning and disinfecting for personnel working in the healthcare sector.

This paper reviews the current situation regarding the exposure of staff in healthcare facilities to cleaning products and disinfectants used in the prevention of healthcare-related infections. In the framework of a sector-specific study, an inventory was made of the different chemical families used, the various disinfection practices employed and the different personnel at risk of exposure. The perspectives gained from our current understanding of the health effects underline the importance of extending such work on the identification of risks.