DEPARTMENTS
BY THE NUMBERS
Chemical Emissions from Hair Care Products
A paper published in the Dec. 5 issue of Environmental Science & Technology examines chemical emissions from home hair care products. Researchers analyzed product usage from published studies and laboratory experiments designed to replicate hair-care routines such as heating of chemicals from the application of curling irons and hair straighteners and the use of exhaust fans to vent chemicals outdoors. The chemical decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, or D5, a colorless and odorless compound included in many hair care products, was found to contribute the most to emissions. No regulatory exposure limits exist for indoor levels of D5 in nonindustrial environments. Information from the study and other sources appears below.
Corresponding author Nusrat Jung, quoted in “Study: Hair Care Product Chemicals Can Linger in the Air in Surprising Amounts”:
“In urban environments [. . .] you will have hundreds—even thousands—of homes ventilating out potentially harmful chemicals into the urban atmosphere all in a short span of time as people get ready for work and school in the morning. These chemicals are then collectively piped back into buildings through ventilation systems once more.”
SOURCES
Chemical Insights: “Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane—A Common Air Pollutant” (PDF, 2022).
Environmental Science & Technology: “Siloxane Emissions and Exposures during the Use of Hair Care Products in Buildings” (December 2023).
Occupational Alliance for Risk Science: “OARS WEEL Table” (PDF).
Purdue University: “Study: Hair Care Product Chemicals Can Linger in the Air in Surprising Amounts” (November 2023).
Tap on the graphic to open a larger version in your browser.