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A recent study cautions that individuals who frequently use hair products may be exposed to high levels of chemicals that could potentially have negative effects on their well-being.
The recent study, featured in the Environmental Science & Technology journal, revealed that numerous chemicals present in hair care products remain in the air for extended periods of time after application.
According to a study conducted by Purdue University in the US, individuals can breathe in as much as 17 mg of potentially toxic chemicals during a single at-home hair care session.
Nusrat Jung, one of the co-authors of the study, expressed great concern over the findings. The team was surprised by the high levels of volatile chemicals released by commonly used hair care products during regular hair care routines.
Scientists warn that D5 siloxane, also known as decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, is a chemical commonly found in personal care products and can cause negative impacts on the respiratory tract, liver, and nervous system of laboratory animals.
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“The European Union has already limited the use of this chemical in wash-off cosmetic products,” stated Dr. Jung.
She also mentioned that some of these products are scented and the chemicals used to create these fragrances may be harmful to breathe in.
According to scientists, although studies on animals have demonstrated the long-lasting nature of D5 siloxane in the environment and its tendency to build up in the body, there is limited knowledge on its effects on humans.
According to Dr. Jung, we do not know the full extent of the danger of inhaling these chemicals over a prolonged period of time.
Although there have been investigations on the chemicals found in certain “rinse-off” items such as shampoos, there is a lack of research on “stay-on” products like hair gels, oils, creams, waxes, and sprays.
According to scientists, using high temperatures from devices like curling irons and hair straighteners can cause additional chemicals to be released into the air.
According to Dr. Jung, in cities, this is particularly important because numerous homes release potentially dangerous chemicals into the air within a relatively short period of time as people prepare for their daily routines in the morning.
According to scientists, the optimal approach is to refrain from using these products.
According to Dr. Jung, the next most effective measure would be to run an exhaust fan while using the products in order to reduce the amount of chemicals that are breathed in.
According to our model, activating the bathroom exhaust fan can decrease D5 inhalation exposure by more than 90 percent, stated the researcher.
According to Dr. Jung, more research is needed to understand the impact on both individuals and the environment, and measures must be implemented to regulate the situation.
Source: independent.co.uk
