Potential Fragrances May Alter Your Body's Electromagnetic Barrier
Scientists have discovered that personal care products, particularly perfumes and body lotions, can significantly disrupt the human oxidation field, a chemical force field surrounding the human body. This field, which acts as a natural defense against pollutants, can be compromised by these products, potentially reducing our chemical defenses and altering the air we breathe.
In a study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers found that common personal care products can significantly impact the oxidation field's function. Ozone, reactive molecules known as radicals, and hydroxyl radicals (OH)—often described as the atmosphere's "detergents" due to their ability to neutralize airborne pollutants—are all part of this field.
These radicals are typically generated indoors at high levels by humans. However, when personal care products are introduced, they potentially weaken the oxidation field, leaving us more vulnerable to pollutants.
Researchers, including Jonathan Williams and an international team of scientists, used a series of chamber experiments to study the effects of personal care products on the oxidation field. Volunteers entered a climate-controlled room either bare-skinned or after applying a commercial lotion or popular fragrance. Ozone was then introduced, mimicking indoor air conditions when outdoor pollution enters indoor spaces.
The study revealed that both perfumes and body lotions have an effect. Fragrances rapidly elevate OH reactivity but have short-lived effects. On the other hand, lotions release compounds more slowly but impact the oxidation field for more extended periods. The application of fragrances and lotions together showed that fragrances have a more immediate effect on OH reactivity and concentration, while lotions demonstrate more persistent effects.
Even natural-sounding ingredients found in personal care products aren't immune. For instance, linalool, a terpene found in lavender essential oils, also increases OH reactivity, although to a lesser extent.
While the implications of suppressing the oxidation field are not fully understood, potential consequences include a decrease in the formation of harmful byproducts from skin-oil reactions and increased exposure to other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that the OH field would normally neutralize. Additionally, altering this field could also affect particles on surfaces and dust, potentially leading to changes in what ends up in our lungs and on our skin.
As we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, it is concerning that indoor chemistry may be affecting our health in ways previously overlooked. The study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of personal care products on our health and indoor air quality.
Journal Reference:Nora Zannoni et al, Personal care products disrupt the human oxidation field, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads7908.
Keywords:air chemistry, human oxidation field, hydroxyl radicals, indoor air quality, indoor pollution, lotions, ozone reactions, perfumes, personal care products, VOCs.
- Scientists have found that common personal care products, such as perfumes and lotions, can significantly impact the function of the human oxidation field, a crucial chemical defense against pollutants.
- Ozone, reactive molecules known as radicals, and hydroxyl radicals (OH) are all part of the human oxidation field, often described as the atmosphere's "detergents" due to their ability to neutralize airborne pollutants.
- In a climate-controlled room, researchers observed that the introduction of personal care products potentially weakens the oxidation field, leaving individuals more vulnerable to indoor pollutants.
- Fragrances were found to rapidly elevate OH reactivity but have short-lived effects, while lotions release compounds more slowly but impact the oxidation field for more extended periods.
- Even ingredients like linalool, a terpene found in lavender essential oils, increase OH reactivity, albeit to a lesser extent.
- The implications of suppressing the human oxidation field can lead to decreased formation of harmful byproducts, increased exposure to VOCs, and potential changes in indoor air quality, which can affect our health and well-being, as we spend up to 90% of our time indoors.
