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Antiperspirants Could Contribute to Particulate Pollution

MTorrice writes: Environmental scientists monitor particulate matter pollution because it poses risks to human health and can affect the climate. Ultrafine particles, up to 100 nm in diameter, are produced by vehicle exhaust and other combustion processes. They also form when volatile chemicals from other sources condense in the atmosphere, often through reactions triggered by sunlight.

Now atmospheric scientists propose that personal care products, such as antiperspirants, could be a potential source of ultrafine particulate matter. On the basis of data from the U.S. and Finland, they find that airborne nanoparticles in highly populated areas often contain silicon. They hypothesize that organic silicon compounds found in cosmetics waft into the air, get oxidized, and contribute to the growth of nanoparticles.

70 comments

  1. Heh by MightyMartian · · Score: 5, Funny

    Not using antiperspirants ain't so good for the air either.

    --
    The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
    1. Re:Heh by Teresita · · Score: 4, Funny

      Great, our communes already smell like a landfill because the greenies make us recycle, and now we all get to smell like they do.

    2. Re:Heh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just use baking soda. Apply it with a powder-puff, or make up a medium-knit cloth bag for it and pat it on that way. It works well.

    3. Re:Heh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Not using antiperspirants ain't so good for the air either.

      Why use them anyway? Seems safer to use deodorants instead - there is a difference.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D...

    4. Re:Heh by perpenso · · Score: 2

      Great, our communes already smell like a landfill because the greenies make us recycle, and now we all get to smell like they do.

      Having once moved from a suburban environment to a ranch environment (horses, cows, etc) I can tell you the odor only bothers you for about three days. After that you still recognized the odors they just no longer have an effect. It seems a persistent ability. Many years after moving back to suburbia I drove near some dairies. While other passengers were nearly gagging I experienced nothing more than the thought "huh, cows".

    5. Re:Heh by R.Mo_Robert · · Score: 4, Informative

      Not using antiperspirants ain't so good for the air either.

      I know you're being funny, but it's actually worth noting that there is a difference between deodorants and antiperspirants (and that term itself is usually short for antiperspirant + deodorant). As you can probably guess now that the terms have been separated, the latter are supposed to stop you from smelling, while the latter are supposed to prevent you from sweating in the first place. I switched from antiperspirants to deodorants a few years ago after I became concerned that maybe jamming aluminum salts up my pores to block sweat in wasn't such a good idea. Most people would probably be fine with just a deodorant, and I say that as someone who is fairly physically active myself.

      That being said, I'm not sure why the article singled out antiperspirants. I'm pretty sure you can find the siloxanes (one of the categories proposed as responsible for the problem) in many deodorants as well, e.g., as decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, which is used to make the product smooth. Off the top of my head (without being in the deodorant aisle at the store right now) I'd guess that "natural" brands like Toms or KMF would be some of the few that probably don't contain these. The specificity in the article seems unnecessary--to say nothing about whether personal care products are a significant source when the chemicals in question can also be found in building material and things that might be a larger source.

      --
      R.Mo
    6. Re:Heh by brunes69 · · Score: 1

      The problem with your theory is precisely that deoderants don't help with sweat.

      When you've got pit stains on all your shirts it doesn't really matter if you don't smell, people will still not want to be around you.

    7. Re:Heh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I never use antiperspirants and I do sweat (sometimes I go to work with my bike), but my only shirts with pit stains are those 5 years old + shirt that I keep for dirty jobs (cleaning and painting). In fact, I don't even use deodorants every day.

      On the other hand, it's true I take two showers each day, one after my morning run, and one before going to bed. I also eat right, which helps a lot with body odor.

    8. Re:Heh by Dcnjoe60 · · Score: 1

      The problem with your theory is precisely that deoderants don't help with sweat.

      When you've got pit stains on all your shirts it doesn't really matter if you don't smell, people will still not want to be around you.

      Most pit stains are actually caused by the antiperspirant. With deodorants, you will sweat more, but not have the yellowing stains caused by oxidized antiperspirants.

    9. Re:Heh by Sam36 · · Score: 0

      I just uses stones instead: http://www.deodorantstones.com...

    10. Re:Heh by brunes69 · · Score: 1

      I am not talking about the permanent stains, I am talking about the damp sweat stains daily, the ones which, as you just said, will be rampant since you will sweat more.

    11. Re:Heh by AmiMoJo · · Score: 2

      No, this has nothing to do with deodorants. This is about antiperspirants, and in particular certain types of spray on ones which are not very good for your skin either.

      In Japan you can buy clothing that deals with this problem. If your country is lucky enough to have Uniqlo shops you can try it out yourself. The material is anti-bacterial and deodorising. At the end of the day you can take it off and it sniff the arm pits, and they don't smell too bad. It also has fast drying features which act as a combination of antiperspirant and allowing the clothing to return to a relatively "clean" state after you stop exerting yourself or come in from the heat.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
    12. Re:Heh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I am not talking about the permanent stains, I am talking about the damp sweat stains daily, the ones which, as you just said, will be rampant since you will sweat more.

      They have this thing called an "undershirt" which is designed to prevent that from happening. If you're repeatedly soaking through them, then you're either dressed wrong for your environment, or are one of a few rare people who are excessively sweaty, and should see a doctor about treatment options.

    13. Re:Heh by Razed+By+TV · · Score: 1

      They also skipped over hair care products. Silicon is becoming much more common in them. I see dimethicone more often than not in shampoos and conditioners.

    14. Re:Heh by Dogtanian · · Score: 1

      In Japan you can buy clothing that deals with this problem. If your country is lucky enough to have Uniqlo shops you can try it out yourself. The material is anti-bacterial and deodorising.

      Do these use silver nanoparticles like some antibacterial socks do? Yeah, there's some concern that those might leak into the environment where their anti-microbial action isn't likely to be such a great idea.

      (Personally, I'm well convinced that relatively untested nanoparticles getting into the environment is going to be a big issue in the next 20 to 30 years... this will be *after* we've been using them for a long time, and they're well established in the ecosystem and food chain. The only question is which ones are going to cause a problem...)

      --
      "Slashdot - News and Chat Sites Deviant". (Click "homepage" link above for details).
    15. Re:Heh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Do you shower daily? If yes then unless you're running a marathon then you're fine with nothing.

    16. Re:Heh by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      It's not silver nanoparticles, it's some kind of synthetic fibre material.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
    17. Re:Heh by omnichad · · Score: 1

      In other words, you get used to it - but you can never go out in public again.

  2. wrong crowd by supernova87a · · Score: 4, Funny

    The Slashdot audience is probably contributing less than average to the environmental problem of antiperspirants being used.

    1. Re:wrong crowd by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I didn't realise Slashdot had that many French readers.

  3. Holy fuck by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Will these wackos ever stop finding shit that is supposedly screwing everything up? If we all lived in faces they'd bitch about the fact the fucking cave dwelling animals had no home because we kicked them out.

    Human haters is what they are.

  4. Your OWN air quality by Pharmboy · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I gave up spray deodorant and switched to stick years ago, simply because I didn't want to be inhaling aluminum chlorohydrate and other goodies. That it isn't good for the environment is secondary to that.

    --
    Tequila: It's not just for breakfast anymore!
    1. Re:Your OWN air quality by Chuckstar · · Score: 3, Insightful

      This does not seem to have anything to do with method of application. The stuff evaporates off your skin into the air.

    2. Re:Your OWN air quality by funwithBSD · · Score: 1

      Better than ME evaporating off into the air!

      --
      Never answer an anonymous letter. - Yogi Berra
    3. Re:Your OWN air quality by PopeRatzo · · Score: 2

      simply because I didn't want to be inhaling aluminum chlorohydrate and other goodies.

      Man, aluminum chlorohydrate is a hell of a buzz. But you have to be careful because it makes you think you can stop cars with your bare hands.

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
    4. Re:Your OWN air quality by markass530 · · Score: 1

      You're supposed to spray the deodorant on to your body, you're not supposed to inhale it

  5. I don't think particulate contaminants evaporate. by mmell · · Score: 4, Funny
    Liquids evaporate. Particulates tend to be left behind after evaporation is completed.

    Remember: if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.

  6. Building materials? by Chuckstar · · Score: 3, Interesting

    This stuff is also heavily used in building materials -- sealants that keep water from soaking into concrete, for instance. I'd be curious to see why they dismiss such building materials as a source, focusing only on personal-care products. It's possible that there is simply so much more used in personal care products. But the one link that isn't slashdotted doesn't explain why the focus on personal-care products.

    1. Re:Building materials? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      But the one link that isn't slashdotted doesn't explain why the focus on personal-care products.

      The answer is the same as every other "it might harm the planet" study to come out: because they see it as an area that extra taxes can be levied from.

  7. Re:I don't think particulate contaminants evaporat by Chuckstar · · Score: 1

    Have you read the article?

    I know... stupid question.

    The hypothesis is that evaporated siloxanes photo-oxidize (in the presence of hydroxyl radicals), then condense onto nanoparticles (that have been separately created by different sources), causing them to grow into the size range that's harmful for humans.

  8. I use deoderant. by gfxguy · · Score: 2

    I use deoderant, not anti-perspirent. Not only have I heard other bad things about anti-perspirent, but I figure if my body wants to sweat then it wants to sweat for a reason.

    --
    Stupid sexy Flanders.
  9. Alum Crystal by labnet · · Score: 2

    I switch to alum crystal type deoderant years ago.

    http://www.bodycrystal.com.au/...

    They work well and last about 2 years per stick.

    --
    46137
    1. Re:Alum Crystal by Krishnoid · · Score: 2

      Another minor benefit of the crystal stick -- impossible to identify as a 'paste' in your carry-on luggage.

    2. Re:Alum Crystal by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I got tired of having to wet the darn things down after a while and switched to Liquid Rock. Yeah, it's more expensive, but it's easy and it doesn't stink (I find scented stuff bothersome).

  10. No, I didn't read the article. by mmell · · Score: 2

    This is /.

  11. Re:I don't think particulate contaminants evaporat by PopeRatzo · · Score: 3, Funny

    The hypothesis is that evaporated siloxanes photo-oxidize (in the presence of hydroxyl radicals), then condense onto nanoparticles

    Slow down, I'm trying to take notes.

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.
  12. Couldn't possibly be roads? by macraig · · Score: 2

    You know what also contains silicon? The material in roads. Cars drive over this material, breaking it up and wearing it down. Perhaps not all of it winds in topsoil and the water system?

    1. Re:Couldn't possibly be roads? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No.

    2. Re:Couldn't possibly be roads? by omnichad · · Score: 1

      Silicon doesn't evaporate at much below 2700 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a silicon compound.

    3. Re:Couldn't possibly be roads? by macraig · · Score: 1

      I'm well aware that we're discussing silicon compounds. I didn't claim that silicon was being vaporized by tire friction; that's silly. However, is it possible that silicon compounds in the road surface that get pulverized finely enough might then become "aerosolized" and disperse in the atmosphere? That is the question I posed.

  13. In other news... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Environmentalist investment clubs short-selling deodorant manufacturers, thus killing two birds with one stone. Three, if you count personal hygiene objectives.

    Guilt from killing the virtual birds was quickly worked through by holding a group handwringing session.

    (Apologies to anyone reading this. Once I started typing, I couldn't stop myself.)

  14. Daffy Duck headline by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 2

    It needs a slight rewrite, but imagine the headline being read by Daffy Duck:

    Antiperspirants Perhaps Partly Partake in Prolonging Particulate Pollution

    --
    systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
  15. Re:Europe/antiperspirants by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 0

    Because we're not all fat and sweaty like definitely every American.

    --
    systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
  16. Particulates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Coughing, sneezing, farting, breathing all contribute particulates. So, from now on, everyone has to have a recyle/catch basin attached to the faces and a tube connected from their ass to a conrtainer to catch farts.

  17. Pollution by DaveinTexas · · Score: 0

    Was this leaked by the W.H. to drum up votes in November? Sounds that ridiculous.

  18. Mowed grass by wiredlogic · · Score: 1

    Grasses accumulate silicates in their leaves. That's a more likely source of airborne particulates than a few armpits.

    --
    I am becoming gerund, destroyer of verbs.
  19. Re:Europe/antiperspirants by DaveinTexas · · Score: 1, Troll

    Yes dumbshit. We are ALL fat. None of us are at or below normal weight, unlike you "superior" Europeans. Just don't call on us the next time someone starts a war over there.

  20. Re:Europe/antiperspirants by rockout · · Score: 2

    ... and THANK YOU for making Americans seem so reasonable, and not reinforcing the stereotype that Europeans already have.

    --
    I've learned that they're worthless, so I don't read AC comments anymore.
  21. AXE Body Spray Users by l0ungeb0y · · Score: 1

    Should be hunted down,captured and tried at the Hague for crimes against Nature, Humanity and Decency. Do we really need to smell you from a block away?

  22. Re:Europe/antiperspirants by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    You will likely be involved on your own anyways, probably as the agressor.

  23. Re:Let's just ahead, shall we? by spitzak · · Score: 1

    I know you are trying to be funny, but human beings breathing does not contribute to global warming. This is because the CO2 produced is from combining O2 with biologic sources, which are produced by systems that remove the same or more CO2 from the air.

  24. And the idea that there are no natural sources ? by xtronics · · Score: 1

    Fine particles are also made by natural events - wind erosion - wave erosion - water freezing - form long before man walked on earth. Why is everything man does seen with 'brown-colored-glasses?

    "could be a potential source."

    This sure sounds like grant seeking behavior rather than science.

  25. Re:Europe/antiperspirants by Teresita · · Score: 1

    If they ever figure out how to turn cellulite into energy it'll be awesome because America is the Saudi Arabia of cellulite.

  26. Just think of the amount by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Just think of the amount of silicon in the air in the Silicon Valley: It's in the US, it's in the state of California, it's in the same state as Los Angeles and there is some silicon there, in the valley.

  27. This study is irrelevant by stoploss · · Score: 1

    The world can burn if it comes down to a choice between that and my antiperspirant.

    And, yes, I'm aware of the distinction between an antiperspirant and wholly inadequate deodorant-only.

  28. NanoBoob jobs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Nanosilicon particles are probably from Nano-boobs jobs.

    The areas shown corelate well with the places where nanoboobs jobs are done - so this is proven this is the cause.

  29. Re:Let's just ahead, shall we? by Hidyman · · Score: 1

    Yeah, the real problem is the methane we produce.

    --
    You can't take the sky from me ...
  30. Couldn't possibly be roads? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    And don't forget all the computer chips: Silicon. Worst ... material ... ever.

  31. Who uses them? by koan · · Score: 1

    Deodorant sure, antiperspirants? Never.

    Consider your health when you smear that chemical crap, then consider a diet change.

    --
    "If any question why we died, Tell them because our fathers lied."
    1. Re:Who uses them? by iggymanz · · Score: 1

      Indeed, probably not wise to stop the body from perspiration. For wanting deodorizing without artificial chemical, quite a few natural deordorants out there. Very effective one available is big chunk of rock salt with minerals, kills the bacteria that make odor.

  32. Re: Europe/antiperspirants by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What a kind and compassionate European you are. Now that I've learned that Europeans have no class and prefer to smell bad all day, well I think I'll just stay here.

  33. Re:Europe/antiperspirants by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 1

    I was being ironic.

    --
    systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
  34. more FUD by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Color me surprised, more FUD from Slashdot. "NOW IT'S IN YOUR DEODORANT, ZOMG! Everyone quick, stop using deodorant and shaving your armpits and put your hair into dreads or the Earth will be destroyed ERMAHGERD"

    Settle down, Beavis.

  35. Re:I don't think particulate contaminants evaporat by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    How does anything photo-oxidize when it's in my armpit? I tend not to spend my days running around with my arms flailing wildly.

  36. Euphemisms? by RogueWarrior65 · · Score: 1

    I'm forced to wonder if "environmental scientist" is now a euphemism for "60s flower child."

  37. Re:Europe/antiperspirants by PPH · · Score: 1

    If they ever figure out how to turn cellulite into energy

    Easy. You cook the fat off and collect it for fuel. It's called Mississippi.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
  38. If you feel you have to use "could" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    you should STFU until you can write "does".

    This latest new in science. "Cancer might be caused by the exposure to moon gravity!"

  39. Re:I don't think particulate contaminants evaporat by Chuckstar · · Score: 1

    First it evaporates. It photo-oxidizes once's its freely floating in the air.