Cosmetics form potentially harmful particles with ozone
Published: Thursday, Oct 10th 2024, 12:20
Updated At: Friday, Oct 11th 2024, 01:59
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Cosmetic products have a significant impact on air quality. As the EPF Lausanne has shown in a study, they can enter into chemical reactions with ozone indoors and form particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. Research cannot answer the health consequences of this.
The scientists do not yet know what influence the daily intake of these particles has and whether it affects the health of the respiratory organs, the university wrote in a press release on Thursday.
Everyday products tested
The study, which was published in the journal "Environmental Science & Technology Letters", is based on an analysis of products from "well-known brands" that are available throughout Europe. The Lausanne researchers reportedly examined a roll-on deodorant, a deodorant spray, a hand cream, a perfume and a dry shampoo. The data analysis took two years.
In an initial test, the researchers used the products under normal conditions in closed rooms without ozone. The cosmetics released over 200 volatile organic compounds. The most frequently detected molecules were ethanol and monoterpenes, which are commonly used in these products.
New compounds with ozone
In the second experiment, the researchers added ozone. This reactive gas is widespread in the atmosphere in Europe during the summer. It penetrates closed rooms through windows or doors. It can also be produced in the rooms themselves, for example from laser or 3D printers.
The reaction with the ozone not only released new volatile organic compounds, but also new particles, particularly from the perfume and the spray. The EPF Lausanne wrote of concentrations that can be found in heavily polluted areas such as the city center of Zurich.
Some molecules would form new particles that coagulate into new fine particles that easily enter the lungs, explained study leader Dusan Licina, Director of the Human-oriented Environmental Laboratory (Hobel) at EPF Lausanne in Fribourg.
"More harmful than we think"
"We do not yet fully understand the effects of these pollutants on health, and they may be more harmful than we think," Dusan was quoted as saying in the communiqué. New toxicological studies are needed in this area.
In order to minimize the impact of cosmetics on indoor air, the EPF Lausanne proposes better ventilation and air purification systems for ozone in the study.
Dusan also recommends questioning consumption habits and opting for natural alternatives that contain fragrance compounds with a lower chemical reactivity. It would also make sense to raise awareness among staff who work with vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
©Keystone/SDA
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