Engineered Nanomaterials in Consumer Cleaning Products May Contribute to Indoor Air Pollution
A new study warns that engineered specks of metal in consumer cleaning products could be contributing to a new form of indoor air pollution. The study shows that children may be particularly at risk even after the spray has settled.
The Impact of Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials, often made from silver, copper, and zinc, are widely used in popular household products such as cleaners, disinfectants, and hairsprays. These particles behave differently compared to the metals in their bulk form. They may exhibit properties like increased magnetism, better heat and electricity conduction, or enhanced chemical reactivity. However, they may also be more toxic than their bulky counterparts, raising concerns about their impact on human health.
Photo of a woman using carpet cleaner. Popular cleaning products often contain nano-sized specks of metals, which can be sent flying in the air when we walk near them.
vadimguzhva/Getty
The Study’s Findings
Gediminas Mainelis, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, who has been studying these substances for over a decade, stated that there is limited knowledge about the potential for exposure to nanoparticles from consumer products and the resulting health effects.
The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, reveals that nanomaterials can become resuspended in the air long after they have settled. When an adult walks in a room and steps on these deposited particles, they are re-suspended in the air and can rise as high as the person’s breathing zone. Children playing on the floor inhale even more particles due to their proximity to the ground.
To obtain these results, the researchers constructed an enclosed, air-controlled chamber with both carpeting and vinyl flooring. They sprayed seven products containing metal nanoparticles into the air and allowed them to settle. Wearing protective suits and respirators, they measured the re-released nanoparticles in the air. Small robots were also used to simulate the actions of a child.
The seven products tested included a silver (Ag)-based shoe deodorizer, an Ag-based surface cleaner, an Ag-based immune system support hydrosol, two zinc (Zn)-based skin protectants, a Zn-based immune system defense booster, and a copper-based skin toner.
The study not only showed the re-suspension of these particles into a person’s breathing zone but also found that carpet flooring released a significantly higher concentration of these particles compared to vinyl flooring.
Mainelis emphasized that this research helps understand the resulting exposures and supports future studies on human exposure reduction. The knowledge gained can be used to minimize exposures to various nanomaterials.
While it is unclear how serious a health risk these nanoscale metals pose to humans, Mainelis highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the particulate matter present in people’s
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to indoor air pollution.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- Indicator: Amount of hazardous chemicals released to the environment from consumer products.
The article highlights the potential health risks associated with the presence of nanomaterials in consumer cleaning products. These nanomaterials, made from metals such as silver, copper, and zinc, can become resuspended in the air even after they have settled. This raises concerns about indoor air pollution and its impact on human health, particularly for children who may be more exposed due to their proximity to the ground.
Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to indoor air pollution. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Amount of hazardous chemicals released to the environment from consumer products. |
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being. Specifically, Target 3.9 aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution. The presence of nanomaterials in consumer cleaning products raises concerns about indoor air pollution and its potential impact on human health.
Additionally, the article is relevant to SDG 12, which addresses responsible consumption and production. Target 12.4 aims to achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and reduce their release to air, water, and soil. The article highlights the potential release of hazardous nanomaterials into the air from consumer cleaning products.
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The number of deaths and illnesses attributed to indoor air pollution can be used as an indicator for Target 3.9. Additionally, the amount of hazardous chemicals released to the environment from consumer products can be used as an indicator for Target 12.4.
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Fuente: newsweek.com
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