that it can penetrate the layers of the skin, entering the bloodstream and cells (EPA, 2019). Particulate matter forms in the atmosphere as a result of chemical reactions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which are toxins emitted from construction sites, factories, power plants, unpaved roads, fires, and automobiles. Particulate matter may also be formed by grilling food on charcoal or gas grills, burning leaves and brush, smoking cigarettes, or burning wood in a fireplace or stove (Toxtown, 2019). However, particulate matter that is less than PM2.5 is also known as fine particles, which are so small that they can be inhaled and then passed into the bloodstream via the lungs to pose the greatest health threat. Also, fine particles of waste gases, fossil fuels, and industrially burned coal can be carried by wind over long distances. Once they settle on the ground or in water, they can cause disruptions such as: ● Reducing visibility (i.e., haze) ● Contributing to the acid rain effect of lakes and streams According to Professor Jean Krutmann, particulate matter accelerates skin aging. Extrinsic factors have a strong impact on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammation reactions, pigmentation, DNA repair, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, skin immunity, and barrier function. (Dupont et al., 2013). Ground-level ozone is a colorless gas and is the most common air pollutant. It is created when emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) react. On the other hand, stratosphere ozone absorbs UV-B/UV-C from the sun and provides a shield that prevents radiation from passing to the earth’s surface. ● Depleting nutrients from the soil ● Damaging forests and farmlands Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, highly toxic gas that is often referred to as a silent killer. When inhaled, it causes harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body’s organs and tissues. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of the burning of fossil fuels. However, carbon monoxide is also naturally found in the environment and is released into the atmosphere through other natural sources, including erupting volcanoes, lightning, forest fires, coal mines, decomposing plants underwater, marsh gases, marine algae, kelp, and seed germination growth (National Pollutant Inventory, 2009). Higher concentrations of carbon monoxide are related to heavy traffic congestion, and it is a major component of motor vehicle exhaust. Other sources of carbon monoxide emissions include residential wood burning as well as faulty household gas appliances such as gas dryers, boilers, charcoal grills, water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, gas stoves, wood stoves. Furthermore, the following are also sources of carbon monoxide emissions: Portable generators; construction tools and equipment such as chainsaws, leaf blowers, and gas space heaters; industrial chemical and metal manufacturing; waste incinerators; cement lime; plaster; electric supply; mining metal ore; food manufacturing; extracting oil and gas for land and sea; concrete manufacturing; petroleum refining; and cigarette smoke (Nordquist, 2017).
solvents, dry cleaning fluids, cleaners, disinfectants, moth repellants, air fresheners, building materials, furnishings, copy machines, printers, hobby supplies, wood preservatives, permanent markers, photographic solutions, and pesticides. When VOCs are combined with nitrogen oxides in the air, they form smog. Volatile organic compounds are known to cause allergic skin reactions and cancer (Toxtown, 2019). Pollutants with the strongest evidence for health concerns include particulate matter (PM), ozone (O 3 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), and sulfur (SO 2 ). Lead is a bluish-gray toxic heavy metal that naturally occurs and is found in the earth’s crust, rocks, and sediment, as well as in small amounts of food and natural products. Sources of environmental lead contamination include soil, water, ceramics glazes, lead-based paint, older buildings, pipes, plumbing materials, lead-acid batteries for motor vehicles, solders, lead crystal glassware, ammunition, stained glass, jewelry, toys, lead gasoline, traditional medicines, and cosmetics (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2019). Although lead is never intentionally used as an additive or ingredient in cosmetic products, because it is a naturally occurring metal, it may be found at trace levels in some raw ingredients used to formulate cosmetic lip products (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2022). Consequentially, spa consumers are likely to be exposed to lead through air pollution, the consumption of food, and even drinking water delivered through lead pipes. Lead is released into the air from ore, metal processing manufacturers, piston engines, aircraft aviation fuel, waste incinerators, and utilities. Nitrogen oxide is a mixture of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, which is colorless and has a strong, harsh odor. It is liquid at room temperature. This toxic air pollutant forms when fossil fuels (including coal, oil, and natural gas), car exhaust, and diesel are burned at a high temperature. Nitrogen oxide is also produced through electroplating and dynamite blasting, as well as commercially by reacting nitric acid with metals or cellulose. Households that burn wood or use kerosene heaters and gas stoves tend to have higher levels of toxic indoor air that is filled with nitrogen oxides. Furthermore, nitrogen oxide is found in tobacco smoke and can cause serious skin burns if an individual is exposed to higher concentrations. Nitrogen oxide is a key component in the formation of acid rain and smog, which are formed when nitrogen oxide reacts with chemicals produced by sunlight (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, 2002). Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) is created through the burning of fossil fuels and emissions from combustion at power plants. Burning fossil fuels affect both the environment and health. Also, natural sources produce sulfur dioxide, including volcanoes, locomotives, heavy equipment that burns fuel with high sulfur content, and ships. Particulate matter (PM) consists of 80% ultrafine particles, along with a mixture of dirt, dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. While some particulate matter is large enough to be seen with the naked eye and collects on the surface of the skin, some particulate matter is so miniscule
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
bacteria, mold, viruses, and phthalates (Spiegel, 2019). Studies have found that levels of several organic pollutants are two to five times higher inside homes than outside. Indoor pollution is responsible for skin itching, stinging sensations, irritation, dryness, allergic skin conditions,
According to the WHO, indoor air can be one hundred times more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor pollution has a direct impact on your client’s skin health and well- being. Furthermore, 90% of the average client’s time is spent indoors, where they are exposed to dangerous indoor pollutants, including scented candles, air fresheners,
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Book Code: ENC0826
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