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Charles Weschler and colleagues explain that humans shed their whole outer layer of skin every 2-4 weeks. The skin flakes contain oils including cholesterol and squalene. Past research on the air in aeroplanes suggests that squalene reduces the levels of ozone in the cabins. Ozone is a pollutant that can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and worsen asthma symptoms. The scientists analyzed dust samples from the children’s bedrooms and daycare centres to try and work out how the substances in skin flakes affect indoor air pollution, and found that squalene does indeed reduce indoor ozone levels by 2 to 15 percent. Source: American Chemical Society Click here for more research on asthma First Published in May 2011 |