Entering a fresh-smelling room with your favourite scents can be a delightful sensory experience. A nose-friendly space can offer a relaxing retreat, especially after a tiring day out, a schedule packed with chores, or a long day at work.
However, beyond the pleasant smell, recent research suggests that the chemical products we use to create pleasant indoor aromas, such as air fresheners, wax melts, and cleaning products pose hidden dangers to our health.
A study from Purdue University led by Nusrat Jung, assistant professor in Purdue’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering, and her colleague Brandon Boor, found that such chemicals may be releasing harmful nanoparticles into the air we breathe.
Their study has uncovered that when fragrances in these products interact with ozone, which is commonly present in our homes through ventilation systems, they undergo chemical transformations.
These transformations result in the formation of nanoscale particles that are small enough to penetrate deep into our lungs and potentially spread to other organs.
The implications of this research are significant for Australians over 50, who may be more susceptible to respiratory issues and other health concerns. The nanoparticles in question are just a few nanometers in size, and their ability to infiltrate the respiratory system raises concerns about the potential risks to health, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions.
Jung and Boor’s research was conducted in a unique setting known as the ‘tiny house lab’ or the Purdue zero Energy Design Guidance for Engineers (zEDGE) lab. This lab is designed to mimic a typical home but is equipped with advanced sensors to monitor the impact of everyday activities on indoor air quality.
The lab’s detailed and accurate tracking of volatile chemicals and the smallest airborne nanoparticles has led to discoveries that suggest many household products may not be as safe as we previously thought.
One of the most startling findings is that scented wax melts, often marketed as a safer alternative to candles because they are flame-free, can pollute indoor air as much as, if not more than, traditional candles.
They revealed that these products release high concentrations of terpenes, which rapidly react with ozone to form significant amounts of nanoparticles. This nanoparticle pollution is comparable to that produced by gas stoves and car engines, which are known as huge sources of nanoscale particles.
The research also extends to other common household activities such as using hair care products, which release cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes into the air.
These findings highlight the complex mixtures of volatile chemicals and nanoscale particles we are exposed to in our homes and the need for further research into their health implications.
‘Indoor air quality is often overlooked in the design and management of the buildings we live and work in, yet it has a direct impact on our health every day. With data from the tiny house lab, we aim to bridge that gap—transforming fundamental research into real-world solutions for healthier indoor environments for everyone,’ said Boor.
As our readers, many of whom are in the over-50s demographic, seek to maintain healthy lifestyles and homes, it’s important to be aware of the unseen dangers that may be lurking in common household items.
While the full health impacts of breathing in these volatile chemicals and nanoparticles are yet to be determined, the research by Jung and Boor emphasises the need for improved monitoring, control, and regulation of indoor air quality.
The study, funded by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Chemistry of Indoor Environments program, is a call to action for both consumers and manufacturers. It suggests that we should be more cautious about the products we use in our homes and that there is a pressing need for innovation in creating safer alternatives that do not compromise our indoor air quality.
As we continue to seek out the comfort and aesthetic appeal of scented products, it’s crucial to balance these desires with the potential health risks they pose. It may be time to reconsider our use of chemical air fresheners and cleaners and look for natural alternatives that can provide the same sensory pleasures without hidden dangers.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with the YourLifeChoices community. Have you noticed any respiratory issues that could be linked to the use of scented products in your home? Are you considering making changes to your cleaning routines in light of this new research? Join the conversation below.
Also read: Uncover the hidden dangers behind this common shower cleaning shortcut
