Researchers recently found that there are high levels of harmful chemicals in hair care products.
Well, no kidding.
This newly published study focuses on the chemicals that linger in the air after use of toxic hair care products, which means people are not only applying harmful ingredients to their hair and scalp (an area of skin that’s four times more absorbent than the skin on your forearm!) but inhaling them as well.
Researchers found that on average, “a person can inhale a cumulative mass of 1-17 milligrams of potentially harmful chemicals in a single hair care session in their home.” They also noted that heat styling tools increase the chemical emissions by 50-310%!
In an article about the study, one of the researchers, Nusrat Jung, an assistant professor in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering at Purdue University, states, “We found the results to be extremely alarming. We did not expect to see such significant emissions of volatile chemical mixtures from off-the-shelf hair care products during typical hair care routines that many people perform each and every day.”
One of the most concerning chemicals commonly used in hair care product formulations is decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5 siloxane). Use of this chemical in wash-off products like shampoo has been restricted in Europe due to being classified as very persistent and bio accumulative. It’s been found to cause adverse effects on the respiratory tract, liver, and nervous system. The other dangerous chemical mentioned in the article is the “f word” — fragrance — which is also a common toxic ingredient used in hair care products.
While home ventilation helps, reducing indoor D5 siloxane inhalation exposures by over 90%, it’s spewing chemicals out into the environment and then piping them back in. Surveys of different population groups helped the Purdue researchers determine that the total indoor-to-outdoor emission of D5 siloxane alone could reach .4-6 metric tons per year in the United States, leaving a significant environmental impression.
So, what can you do to minimize your exposure to the toxins found in everyday hair care products?
Jung shared, “The best solution is to simply not use these products. I used to use similar products myself to straighten my hair, but after we analyzed the data, it became immediately clear that the best thing I could do to protect my own health was to stop using them.”
- Use non toxic products.
- Share the news of this study to help educate others.
- Share your favorite non toxic products as a solution.
The more people who use non toxic products, not just for their hair care but for all personal care and housekeeping, the better off we’ll all be!
Ask your Pure Haven Consultant about our complete line of non toxic products, including hair care, skin care and makeup, bath and body care, home cleaning, baby and kid, and pet. All our products are made with only the safest, most effective ingredients and third-party tested for pfas, heavy metals, and contaminants. They are safe for you, your family, and the planet.
Source:
Study finds high levels of chemicals in hair care products. (4 Dec 2023). News Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231204/Study-finds-high-levels-of-chemicals-in-hair-care-products.aspx
Journal reference:
Jiang, J., et al. (2023). Siloxane Emissions and Exposures during the Use of Hair Care Products in Buildings. Environmental Science & Technology. doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c05156.