A recent study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University has uncovered a potential new form of indoor air pollution caused by nanoparticles present in common household products. Nanoparticles are engineered particles that are so small they are invisible to the eye, ranging in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. These particles can be found in a variety of products such as cleaners, disinfectants, sunscreen, hairsprays, and cosmetic mists and powders.
The study showed that when a consumer product containing nanoparticles was sprayed in a room, people walking through the space stirred up residual particles from carpet fibers and floor surfaces, projecting them up to three to five feet into the air. This process created a potential health hazard, particularly for children playing on the floor, who could inhale higher concentrations of nanoparticles than adults. The researchers emphasized the importance of increasing awareness about the presence of nanoparticles in household products to help people make informed choices.
Nanoparticles exhibit unique properties when manipulated at the nanoscale, which can differ significantly from their bulk form. Some nanoparticles are stronger, more reactive, or exhibit different magnetic properties than their larger counterparts. Researchers are concerned that these altered properties may pose health risks to individuals exposed to nanoparticles through consumer products, but there is limited knowledge about the potential effects on human health.
The Rutgers researchers constructed an enclosed chamber in their laboratory to study the resuspension of nanoparticles from flooring surfaces after consumer sprays containing nanoparticles were used. They found that nanoparticles released by the sprays could reach the human breathing zone, with children being at higher risk of exposure during spraying and resuspension of particles. The study also revealed that particles resuspended from carpets produced higher concentrations than those from vinyl flooring, and the concentration of suspended particles depended on the product used.
This research can help individuals understand and minimize their exposure to nanoparticles present in household products. By identifying the factors that contribute to the resuspension of nanoparticles from flooring surfaces, the study provides valuable insights that can guide strategies to reduce human exposure to nanomaterials. The researchers hope that this work will support future studies on human exposure reduction and promote a better understanding of the potential health risks associated with nanoparticles in consumer products.
Overall, the study highlights the need for more research on the health effects of nanoparticles and the importance of raising awareness about their presence in everyday products. By gaining a better understanding of how nanoparticles behave in indoor environments and how they can impact human health, researchers can help individuals make informed choices to protect themselves from potential risks associated with nanoparticles in household products.
