Monday, November 7, 2011

Spa alert: Aromatherapy may cause poor indoor air quality

Aromatherapy oils release
VOCs into the air: Experts
A new study conducted by Taiwanese researchers found high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultra-fine particles in spas offering aromatherapy.

Exposure to VOCs and fine particles has been linked to various short-term and long-term health effects, including eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory conditions and more.

Despite the popular belief that the fragrant aromatherapy oils, which are derived from plants, are healthier than synthetic fragrances (which may still be the case), these oils nevertheless release VOCs that can affect the health and well-being of workers and clients.

When these VOCs react with ozone that is present in the air, they can produce small, ultra-fine particle byproducts called secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), which have been linked to eye and airway irritation, the researchers found..

Aromatherapy oils are often used for massage therapy in spa centers.

The researchers tested the air in spa centers as well as a controlled-environment study chamber, concluding that the spa layout and ventilation played a big role in terms of the detected levels of indoor air pollutants.

The study was published in Environmental Engineering Science.

Source: TruthDive

Remove pollutants with portable air cleaners

Electrocorp has designed versatile, powerful air cleaners for beauty salons and spas that remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants from the ambient air.

The air cleaners just need to be plugged in and are designed to clean the air 24/7, by drawing it through a multistage air filtration system containing activated carbon, HEPA and UV.

This ultra efficient filter combination actually removes airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, allergens, bacteria, viruses and mold – for a cost of less than $1 per day.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and recommendations based on your spa’s size and requirements.

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