A survey conducted by the Indian Medical Academy (IMA), a private association of doctors, across six States in the country, including Delhi, has found that 91 per cent of doctors link acid usage in toilet cleaning to long-term respiratory and other diseases. Ironically, 59 per cent of Delhiites regularly use acid for toilet cleaning.
Respiratory problems“The fact that use of acid for toilet cleaning poses serious health risks like respiratory problems and that people tend to ignore its obvious connection to health calls for initiatives that could make people aware of the risks associated with acids,” noted IMA senior consultant Preetiash Kaul.
This two-fold survey, which included both the perspectives of doctors and consumers, revealed various other facts.
The survey revealed that while over 90 per cent of doctors believed in the fact that acid was a major contributor to heath hazards, it also revealed that almost everyone using it faced health problem like breathlessness, coughing, eye irritation, etc., while unknowingly exposing themselves to long-term health issues.
It also brought to light that more than 70 per cent of bathroom are attached to bedrooms, which pose a direct threat to children and adults of inhaling the acidic fumes.
Dr. Kaul said: “While there is a dire need to raise awareness about long-term health risks associated with acid use in household, it is important for consumers to select toilet cleaners with responsibility.”
