Anti-perspirant deodorant particulate matter temporal concentrations during home usage

Particulate matter (PM) in ambient air is associated with many adverse health outcomes. Although many anthropogenic activities are associated with PM release in indoor settings, dispersion and persistence of PM is poorly understood. In this study, concentration, persistence and dispersion of PM2.5 and PM10 released following aerosol antiperspirant use were measured in a bathroom environment under several door and window ventilation conditions, and in a nearby bedroom. Daily mean concentrations were elevated in all experimental conditions compared to the control, but varied depending on the ventilation condition. The daily mean concentrations exceeded the WHO daily mean guideline values when there was little or insufficient ventilation in the bathroom, whereas ventilation through opening doors or windows prevents exceedances. After spraying, mean peak PM concentrations were lowest in the bathroom when the door and window were left open. Introducing ventilation through opening the bathroom door and/or window reduced PM concentrations by > 93% 10 min after spray release, compared to reductions of 60% and 77% for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, with no ventilation. Opening the bathroom window significantly increased peak PM concentration in the bedroom relative to leaving the window closed, suggesting increased dispersion of PM from bathroom to bedroom.

Automated summary

This study found that ventilation through opening doors or windows in a bathroom after using aerosol antiperspirant can effectively reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, and prevent exceedances of WHO guideline values. Opening the bathroom window can also increase peak PM concentrations in the nearby bedroom, suggesting increased dispersion of PM from bathroom to bedroom.