Harmful Pollutants from Common Personal Care Products

A new study from researchers at Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) has highlighted the potential health risks posed by the chemicals in popular personal care products, which can generate harmful pollutants when used indoors.

When ozone was introduced, all products except roll-on deodorant produced a concerning "smog" of particulates. Photo: Ana Essentiels/Unsplash

Modern personal care products, designed to mask odors, prevent perspiration, and provide pleasant fragrances, use a wide range of ingredients.

While many of these compounds are considered safe in low concentrations, concerns are growing about the reactions they undergo in indoor environments, potentially creating harmful pollutants.

A study led by EPFL researchers analyzed emissions from commonly used personal care items, identifying over 200 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in concentrations reaching several parts per million.

Though most of these VOCs are considered harmless, some quickly react to form secondary organic aerosols, which pose health risks.

"Some molecules nucleate, forming ultrafine particles that can enter our lungs," says Dusan Licina, an engineer from EPFL.

"In my opinion, we still don't fully understand the health effects of these pollutants, but they may be more harmful than we think."

The study also noted that sources of ozone, commonly found in indoor spaces, can react with VOCs in personal care products, producing harmful compounds.

The research team tested a range of products, including deodorant body sprays, hand lotion, perfume, and dry shampoo, in a simulated indoor environment.

When ozone was introduced, all products except roll-on deodorant produced a concerning "smog" of particulates, with growth rates higher than those typically seen outdoors.

Given the potential health risks, Licina suggests reducing reliance on personal care products or opting for alternatives with lower chemical reactivity.

"We may need to turn to more natural alternatives that contain less reactive fragrant compounds," Licina says. (Tasnim News Agency)

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