A new TOXIC household chemical? (Study)

They say ignorance is bliss…

That could hold true to when it comes to not wanting to know what man-made chemicals comprise some of your everyday household cleaners and personal care items.

But trust me you’ll want to know about this one…

A new study has unlocked a NEW toxic chemical that you could be breathing in…

And it’s so surprising, I even had to do a double-take!

A Purdue University study says that everyday HAIR CARE products—like creams, sprays, and oils—contain compounds that can quickly alter the air quality inside your home… under certain, volatile conditions.

Let me explain…

Many hair care products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including siloxanes, which are responsible for giving your hair shine and smoothness.

Previous studies, specifically around siloxanes, focused on the potential harm they can cause when used on the skin and not washed off properly.

But this new study found that VOCs can cause air quality issues when exposed to heat-induced style techniques, like straightening and curling.

This is important because research shows prolonged exposure to VOC vapors can cause a variety of health effects, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.

It should be noted that this is a pilot study… but initial findings reported that you CAN limit your risk of VOC vapor exposure if you keep your house properly ventilated.

In fact, the study found that turning on an exhaust fan effectively removed most of the air pollutants within 20 minutes after a hair care routine.

The moral of the story?

Be mindful of any hair care products you use. Read labels, and opt for organic varieties that contain fewer chemicals.

Also, keep your bathroom ventilated and use an exhaust fan to keep the air circulating.

And, it doesn’t hurt to give your HVAC air filters a regular change.

To limiting household chemical exposure,

Cory Templeman
Senior Editor, eAlert

Sources:

StudyFinds. “‘Extremely alarming’ chemicals in common hair products lingering in the air you breathe.” https://studyfinds.org/hair-products-air-health/

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. “Volatile organic compounds (VOCs).” https://www.pca.state.mn.us/pollutants-and-contaminants/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs