Applying body lotion greatly reduces the personal hydroxyl radical field by diluting skin lipids and emitting phenoxyethanol, which increases OH loss.
Fragrances emit high levels of ethanol that act as a strong hydroxyl radical sink, suppressing self-generated OH despite terpenes that can produce OH.
When applied together, fragrances cause a sharp immediate drop in OH levels, while lotions maintain a longer-lasting suppression of the oxidation field.
Model simulations show that lotion and fragrance ingredients concentrate near the breathing zone, altering local air chemistry and reducing OH availability.
A pure terpene fragrance (linalool) without ethanol has only minor effects on OH levels, as its ozonolysis can generate as well as consume radicals.
Disruption of the human oxidation field by personal care products may change indoor secondary pollutant formation and affect human chemical exposures.
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