Washing, styling and caring for hair are everyday activities that each of us performs. It turns out that some of the cosmetics we use then release substances that are potentially harmful to our health and the environment. We are talking primarily about washable products, such as shampoos. Scientists took a closer look at the topic.
Do you take care of your hair? You may harm yourself
A researcher from Purdue University, Nusrat Jung, found that some chemicals released when using hair care products change the chemical composition of the air in the room and persist much longer than when the products are used. For this reason, from 1 to even 17 milligrams may enter our respiratory tract. Although their effects on the body have not yet been thoroughly investigated, experts have deemed them potentially harmful to health. Especially since they didn’t expect them in such quantities in the cosmetics we use every day.
What are harmful cosmetics? It’s enough that your neighbor uses them
The substances released in this way include cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes, and above all siloxane D5, which acts as an emulsifier and also softens and smoothes them. Its use has already been significantly restricted in the European Union. It is worth knowing that using heat styling products increased the amount of substances released even more – from 50 to even 310 percent. The scientist drew attention to two issues – firstly, due to ventilation, they get outside, where they can also be harmful to the environment, and secondly, they can get back in the same way, only to another room. This means that even if you do not use this type of products yourself, it is enough for your neighbor to do so.
Can these substances be harmful to us? “The results are extremely alarming”
Jung points out that so far, the substances released when using shampoos have not been studied enough to clearly determine what impact they have on us and the environment. They are considered potentially dangerous, but it is not certain how much of a threat they may pose to us. In addition, rinse-off shampoos were mainly tested. However, in her opinion, this is enough to undertake further, more detailed research. “We found the results extremely alarming,” she said, adding that there is a good reason why some parts of the world already ban the use of these types of products.
Source: Gazeta
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
