Concerns rise over indoor air pollution from metal nanoparticles in cleaning products
Concerns rise over indoor air pollution from metal nanoparticles in cleaning products Environmental Health News
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New Study Reveals Nanoparticles in Household Cleaners Contribute to Indoor Air Pollution
By Pandora Dewan
In Short:
- Nanomaterials found in common household cleaners and sprays, such as silver, copper, and zinc, can become airborne and contribute to indoor air pollution even after initial use.
- An air-controlled chamber experiment demonstrated high resuspension rates of these particles, particularly in carpeted areas.
- Children are especially vulnerable due to higher particle concentrations at lower heights and frequent contact with the floor.
Key Quote:
“If an adult is walking in a room, and steps on some of these deposited particles, we found that the particles will be re-suspended in the air and rise as high as that person’s breathing zone.”
— Gediminas Mainelis, Professor, Department of Environmental Science at Rutgers
Why This Matters:
While consumers often pay close attention to harmful chemicals in cleaning products, the presence of metal nanoparticles is a lesser-known concern. These tiny particles are increasingly used in various products for their antimicrobial properties and cleaning efficiency. However, their small size allows them to easily become airborne, potentially leading to indoor air pollution. Exposure to certain indoor air pollutants, such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and heavy metals, has been linked to child obesity.
Learn more: How to shop for cleaning products – while avoiding toxics.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Nanoparticle concentration in indoor air – Cancer rates related to indoor air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Indoor air pollution levels in urban areas – Presence of metal nanoparticles in indoor environments |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 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. | – Presence of metal nanoparticles in cleaning products – Resuspension rates of nanoparticles in indoor environments |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
– 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.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Nanoparticle concentration in indoor air
– Cancer rates related to indoor air pollution
– Indoor air pollution levels in urban areas
– Presence of metal nanoparticles in indoor environments
– Presence of metal nanoparticles in cleaning products
– Resuspension rates of nanoparticles in indoor environments
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets by monitoring the levels of nanoparticles in indoor air, assessing the impact of indoor air pollution on cancer rates, evaluating indoor air pollution levels in urban areas, and tracking the presence of metal nanoparticles in both indoor environments and cleaning products.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Nanoparticle concentration in indoor air – Cancer rates related to indoor air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Indoor air pollution levels in urban areas – Presence of metal nanoparticles in indoor environments |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 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. | – Presence of metal nanoparticles in cleaning products – Resuspension rates of nanoparticles in indoor environments |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: ehn.org
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