Topic: Environment
Researchers at Purdue University found that scented cleaning products can release nanoparticles into the air. These tiny particles can be inhaled and may cause health problems. The researchers recommend using unscented products, improving ventilation, and avoiding devices that generate ozone.
A room that smells like citrus or pine is often associated with cleanliness. But did you know that these familiar scents can signal chemical reactions taking place in the air? Research led by Brandon Boor at Purdue University found that fragrance compounds released by cleaning products can rapidly react indoors and generate nanoparticles.
The researchers tested scented conventional liquid products, as well as botanical-containing disinfectant sprays and wipes inside a model home on Purdue's campus. They recreated ordinary household cleaning activities to examine what happens under realistic conditions. Their experiments showed that the same basic chemistry responsible for nanoparticle formation outdoors can occur indoors much more rapidly and at much higher concentrations.
The researchers say exposure to these nanoparticles can be reduced by choosing unscented products, improving ventilation with exhaust fans or open windows, and avoiding devices that generate ozone while scented cleaning products are being used. Brandon Boor, an Assistant Professor of Civil and Construction Engineering at Purdue University, says "Cleaning removes viruses and bacteria from surfaces, but it can also generate invisible air pollution."
The researchers presented their results at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) during the "Healthy Indoor Spaces: Bridging the Microbiome and Chemistry" symposium in McCormick Place.
Why It Matters
This research is important for Indian students because many people in India use scented cleaning products, which can release harmful nanoparticles into the air. Improving indoor air quality can help prevent respiratory problems and other health issues.
Key Facts
- Researchers at Purdue University found that scented cleaning products can release nanoparticles into the air.
- The researchers tested scented conventional liquid products, as well as botanical-containing disinfectant sprays and wipes inside a model home on Purdue's campus.
- Exposure to these nanoparticles can be reduced by choosing unscented products, improving ventilation with exhaust fans or open windows, and avoiding devices that generate ozone while scented cleaning products are being used.
- The researchers presented their results at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) during the "Healthy Indoor Spaces: Bridging the Microbiome and Chemistry" symposium in McCormick Place.
- Brandon Boor is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Construction Engineering at Purdue University.
Key Terms
- nanoparticles
- Tiny particles that are smaller than 100 nanometers, which can be inhaled and may cause health problems
- ozone
- A gas that is formed when oxygen molecules are split apart by ultraviolet radiation, which can react with other chemicals to form harmful compounds
Implications
This research is important for Indian students because many people in India use scented cleaning products, which can release harmful nanoparticles into the air. Improving indoor air quality can help prevent respiratory problems and other health issues.
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