Scented cleaners can create nanoparticles that reach deep into the lungs within minutes, tiny-home experiment finds
What does a clean room smell like? Many people say citrus, pine, or flowers because these fragrances are common in cleaning products. A research team led by Brandon Boor found that scent compounds in cleaning products—conventional and botanical essential oil-based—quickly react in the air, forming nanoparticles that can travel deep into the lungs if inhaled. To reduce exposure to this invisible…
Scented cleaning products contain fragrances, such as citrus, pine, and flowers, that react with indoor ozone to form tiny particles within minutes of use. These nanoparticles, which are 1-30 nanometers wide, can penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled. Researchers from Purdue University demonstrated that common cleaning activities, like mopping and spraying surfaces, generate particle concentrations that can exceed those found outdoors.
This poses potential health risks as the particles can deposit in the airways, causing irritation, inflammation, or even entering the bloodstream. The study suggests using unscented products, running exhaust fans, and avoiding ozone-generating devices while cleaning to minimize exposure to these nanoparticles.
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