I used this for my shiny hair and waves, but lung health threat?
Aug 28, 2025
|
Researchers at Purdue University in Indiana, USA, recently published the results of their research on indoor nanoparticle emission and exposure during heat-based hair styling activities in the international journal 『Environmental Science and Technology』.
The researchers set up an internal 60.35㎥ test house on Purdue University's campus and conducted an experiment.
According to the study, hair styling using high-temperature heat for 10 to 20 minutes can expose more than 10 billion nanoparticles.
This is nanoparticle pollution equivalent to standing in highway traffic jams.
Hot air balloons such as curling iron heat the hair to a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius or higher, and volatile chemicals contained in hair products such as conditioners, hairspray, and cream evaporate and release into the air as nanoparticle pollutants. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs through the respiratory tract, especially in the distal areas of the most sensitive lungs, the researchers explained.
The researchers warned that these nanoparticles can cause respiratory stress, lung inflammation, and even cognitive decline.
In addition, when hot air balloons are used at high temperatures (210 degrees Celsius), more than 100 times more nanoparticles accumulate in the respiratory tract compared to low temperatures (21 degrees Celsius).
Various hair products such as shampoo, lotion, gel, oil, wax, and spray can turn into unhealthy substances when volatile chemicals and high temperatures are combined. Not only are chemicals simply released into the air by heat, but new chemical reactions occur in the product, resulting in additional harmful particles.
Researchers "At first, only volatile chemicals were measured, but the results were worrisome. Since then, a more precise analysis with aerosol equipment used to measure automobile exhaust showed that the concentration of particles was explosive, reaching 10,000 to 100,000 per ㎤", he explained.
In particular, emissions were very high in the 'Leave-in type hair spray, cream, and gel designed to be heat-resistant.
The researchers recommended avoiding the combination of hot air balloons and hair products to reduce health damage caused by inhalation of nanoparticles. He advised using hot air balloons at low temperatures, minimizing the use of hair products, and using them in well-ventilated spaces if inevitable.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
