Hairspray is a widely used personal care product, valued for its ability to hold hairstyles, add volume, and tame frizz. This common staple helps maintain desired looks throughout the day. However, its widespread use raises questions about its broader environmental implications.
Hairspray’s Impact on Air Quality
Modern hairsprays contribute to air quality concerns primarily through the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These compounds readily evaporate into the atmosphere during and after application. VOCs found in hairspray often include propellants like propane, isobutane, n-butane, and ethanol.
Once released, these VOCs react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a main component of smog. This can negatively affect urban air quality, contributing to respiratory issues and other health problems. While individual use might seem minor, the cumulative effect from millions of consumers regularly using hairspray can significantly impact local air pollution levels.
Indoor air quality can also be affected. Hairspray use indoors can lead to the accumulation of VOCs, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Some products release VOCs for days or weeks, with indoor concentrations potentially becoming two to ten times higher than outdoor levels. These airborne chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
Water Contamination and Microplastics
Hairspray ingredients can also enter water systems, posing risks to aquatic environments. Many formulations contain synthetic polymers, which act as film-forming agents to provide hold. These polymers are a type of microplastic. When hairspray is washed off hair, these microplastics can go down drains and into wastewater treatment plants.
Wastewater treatment plants are often not designed to effectively filter out these tiny plastic particles, allowing them to pass through and enter rivers, lakes, and oceans. Once in aquatic ecosystems, microplastics persist for hundreds of years because they do not readily biodegrade. Marine organisms, such as mussels, worms, and fish, can ingest these microplastics, leading to potential harm and accumulation within the food chain. Some microplastics can also absorb and transport other harmful pollutants, further disrupting ecosystems.
Ozone Depletion: A Historical Perspective
Hairspray’s environmental impact has a notable historical dimension, particularly concerning ozone depletion. In earlier formulations, especially before the late 1980s, hairsprays commonly used chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as propellants. These CFCs were found to be potent ozone-depleting substances.
Scientists discovered that CFCs, once released into the atmosphere, could break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, contributing to the formation of the “ozone hole.” This thinning of the ozone layer was a significant environmental concern because the ozone layer protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays from the sun. In response to this discovery, international agreements like the Montreal Protocol were established in 1987, leading to a global phase-out of CFCs in aerosols and other products. While CFCs have largely been eliminated from hairspray formulations, this historical issue highlights the significant environmental impact the product once had and the global action taken to address it.
Choosing Environmentally Friendlier Options
Consumers can make more environmentally conscious choices regarding hairspray to lessen its impact. Opting for pump sprays instead of aerosol cans is an effective step, as pump sprays do not rely on propellants, which often contain VOCs or greenhouse gases. Pump sprays typically use a manual mechanism to dispense the product, reducing air pollution.
Many brands now offer formulations that prioritize natural or plant-derived ingredients, minimizing the use of synthetic polymers and other chemicals. These products often avoid microplastics, which helps prevent water contamination. Some eco-friendly hairsprays contain ingredients like aloe vera, sugar, or essential oils for hold and scent.
Considering products in refillable or recyclable packaging also contributes to reducing waste. Some brands offer refill pouches or bottles, allowing consumers to reuse their spray containers. Proper disposal of empty aerosol cans, where applicable, can ensure they are recycled correctly, preventing them from ending up in landfills. Choosing products that explicitly state they are free from VOCs, phthalates, and other concerning chemicals can further support environmental health.