showed a relatively low toxic potency. However, the authors indicated a need for more investigations as
even inert dust may put cleaners’ health at risk.
Dust can contain different types of particulate matters such as human debris, paper and other
particulate organic matter and fibers; micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, mould); volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) and semi-VOCs; as well as non volatile compounds such as surfactants13 (neutral),
quartz, minerals and other inorganic substances such as trace metals [26]. Some studies indicate the
presence of nearly 200 VOCs, including formaldehyde and even pesticides, in particles and dirt found in
homes and offices.
The amount of dust, and hence the level of risk, depend on the type of cleaning workplace (e.g. in an
office or a private household). Very high levels of dust exposures are found in some industrial premises
or where construction or renovation work is done. In the latest case, cleaners may be exposed to
concrete dust containing quartz. In the study of Riala [29], the dust concentrations to which women
cleaners were exposed while doing various types of cleaning work were investigated. Levels of airborne
dust when cleaning on renovation or construction sites were twice as high as in new buildings. As for
the influence of the type of cleaning task the highest dust concentrations were measured when dry
sweeping.