Personal Care Products and Indoor Air Health Risks

A recent investigation conducted by a team at EPFL has revealed that the personal care items we commonly use can have a significant impact on indoor air quality. These products release more than 200 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air when applied indoors. When these VOCs interact with ozone, they can form new substances and particles that may be inhaled deep into the lungs. The long-term effects of exposure to these particles on respiratory health are still not fully understood.

The study's results were shared in Environmental Science & Technology Letters. The research was initiated when Dusan Licina, an assistant professor at EPFL, and his team compiled a list of everyday items, including roll-on deodorant, spray deodorant, and perfume, all sourced from major brands found in European stores.

Licina directs the Human-Oriented Built Environment Lab (HOBEL) at the Smart Living Lab in Fribourg, which features environmental chambers designed for precise monitoring of indoor air quality. The project, spearheaded by Licina's former postdoc Tianren Wu, partnered with researchers from Germany and Sweden to replicate the use of these personal care products in a controlled indoor environment.

In their experiments, the researchers initially applied the products under normal conditions while closely tracking air quality. In a subsequent test, they added ozone, a gas commonly found outdoors during the summer months in Europe. Ozone can infiltrate homes through open windows or be produced indoors by devices such as laser printers.

After two years of analyzing the data, the team discovered that, in the absence of ozone, over 200 VOCs were emitted from the products, with ethanol and monoterpenes being the most prevalent. However, introducing ozone resulted in the formation of new VOCs and particles, particularly from perfumes and sprays, with concentrations surpassing those found in heavily polluted urban environments like downtown Zurich.

Licina noted that certain molecules can undergo "nucleation," leading to the formation of new particles that may combine into larger ultrafine particles that can penetrate the lungs. He stressed the need for more comprehensive toxicological studies to fully grasp the health risks associated with these pollutants.

To mitigate the effects of personal care products on indoor air quality, various engineering strategies are suggested, such as enhancing ventilation, incorporating air-cleaning devices, and reducing indoor ozone levels. Licina also advocates for a reduction in reliance on these products, recommending more natural alternatives. Additionally, raising awareness among medical professionals and caregivers, especially those who work with vulnerable populations like children and the elderly, is essential.