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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.

2 of 70 comments (clear)

  1. 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.