A study by scientists at the University of Bergen in Norway has found that cleaning is as bad for women's lungs as smoking up to 20 cigarettes a day, according to an article on the Daily Mail website.

Researched assessed the lungs of 6,235 women and men and then checked on them again over the course of 20 years.

Study subjects were asked whether they cleaned their own house, or whether they worked as professional cleaners. They were also asked how often they used liquid cleaning products and sprays.

The research found that women who cleaned – either their house as little as once a week or as professional cleaners - had a greater decline in lung capacity.

No effect was found on the lungs of men, whether they cleaned professionally or just as part of their domestic chores.

The drop in lung function was comparable to smoking a pack of 20 cigarettes for between 10-20 years.

The study found that potential irritants to the lungs are found in domestic products – including bleach and ammonia.

No significant difference was found between using cleaning sprays and cleaning liquids.

The study’s authors wrote: “Women cleaning at home or working as occupational cleaners had accelerated decline in lung function, suggesting that exposures related to cleaning activities may constitute a risk to long-term respiratory health.”

Read the full article.