Is artificial tanning harmful to health: myths and truth. Is an artificial Christmas tree harmful? Phobias are specifically brought up in us

People buy artificial Christmas trees for a number of reasons: allergies to tree pollen, ease of cleaning, the presence of a firefighter in the family who scares everyone with stories about fire-hazardous live spruce trees. But are artificial Christmas trees safe and harmless?

It's a difficult question. To begin to answer this, you need to understand what the tree is made of, which is usually a synthetic plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is also used to make pipes, children's toys, medical devices and interior decoration cars. American Christmas Tree Association - non-profit organization, which educates about live and artificial Christmas trees, says the material is “not dangerous” and “not harmful.” But many experts are willing to argue otherwise. Partly because PVC is a heat-resistant substance that can use metals such as lead, tin and barium as stabilizers. As a result, a 2004 study even found significant amounts of lead in artificial Christmas trees.

In addition, the gases emitted by PVC, known as volatile organic compounds, can cause irritation to the eyes, lungs and nasal mucosa.

Sometimes PVC may contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt the endocrine system.

But the main thing about this problem is that you never know what exactly your Christmas tree is made of. In addition, some of the potentially present substances may not have passed through laboratory research on their effect on the human body. AND hazardous substances may be considered harmless. Insufficient control over the production of artificial fir trees allows the possibility of other substances being included in their composition. chemical substances.

But is there any point in being afraid of the unobtrusive presence of not the most beneficial chemicals in the Christmas tree? Experts believe that contact with lead, even in small quantities, does not bode well for the reproductive system and blood pressure, and in children can lead to a decrease in IQ. By the way, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes that there is no safe level of lead at all.

However, you can protect yourself. Items made from PVC highlight greatest number harmful gases upon first contact with air, so when purchasing a new artificial Christmas tree, give it a chance to “ventilate” by placing it outside for several hours or even days. The longer it stays outside, the less harm it will cause you.

And do not store it for the rest of your life - as it ages, PVC begins to emit again harmful substances. Artificial Christmas trees should be replaced at least once every 9 years.

It's a difficult question. To begin to answer this, you need to understand what the tree is made of, which is usually a synthetic plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is also used to make pipes, children's toys, medical devices and car interiors. The American Christmas Tree Association, a nonprofit organization that educates about live and artificial trees, says the material is "not hazardous" and "not harmful." But many experts are willing to argue otherwise. Partly because PVC is a heat-resistant substance that can use metals such as lead, tin and barium as stabilizers. As a result, a 2004 study even found significant amounts of lead in artificial Christmas trees.

In addition, the gases emitted by PVC, known as volatile organic compounds, can cause irritation to the eyes, lungs and nasal mucosa.

Sometimes PVC may contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt the endocrine system.

But the main thing about this problem is that you never know what exactly your Christmas tree is made of. In addition, some of the potentially present substances may not have been tested in laboratory for their effects on the human body. And dangerous substances can be recognized as harmless. Insufficient control over the production of artificial trees allows for the possibility of other chemicals entering their composition.

However, you can protect yourself. Items made from PVC emit the most harmful gases when first exposed to air, so when purchasing a new artificial tree, give it a chance to “air out” by placing it outside for several hours or even days. The longer it stays outside, the less harm it will cause you.

And don’t store it for the rest of your life - as it ages, PVC begins to release harmful substances again. Artificial Christmas trees should be replaced at least once every 9 years.

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IN last years Scientists around the world are increasingly raising the issue of the negative impact of synthetic materials on human health. Such statements by scientists cannot be ignored, because it has been proven that the presence of synthetic thread in clothing, bedding, etc. disrupts the natural heat exchange of the body.

Synthetic fabrics have low hygroscopicity, due to which the moisture that is released from human skin, poorly absorbed into the fibers, clogs the air pores, impedes air circulation, and reduces thermal insulation properties fabrics.

Synthetics are characterized by long-term retention of unpleasant odors and are less washable. Such fabrics are electrostatic. Volatile components of chemical fibers, including toxic ones, can be released for several months when ironing clothes.

Synthetic fabrics are contraindicated for people suffering from allergies, skin diseases, eczema or psoriasis. And poor quality material can cause dermatitis even in healthy person. It has been proven that synthetic fabrics are a serious danger to human health. Scientific research found that synthetic bedding contains a high concentration of fungal microorganisms. For asthmatics and allergy sufferers, such underwear is especially dangerous. Also, in synthetic pillows the concentration of fungus and mold is 2-3 times higher than in feather pillows. In addition, in mattresses that have served for more than 5 years, the level of these organisms exceeds permissible norm 3 times.

Substances that make up synthetic fabric can cause irritation, redness, itching and even an asthmatic attack. Most researchers consider the most dangerous and little-studied factor in the harm of synthetics to humans is static electricity penetrating synthetic fabrics. At the core negative influence Static electricity of synthetic fabrics on the human body is caused by a neuroreflex mechanism. The effect of static electricity is expressed in direct irritation of the sensitive nerve endings of the skin, or irritation occurs secondarily, due to the polarization of cellular elements and changes in ionic ratios in tissues. Irritation of sensitive nerve endings causes a reaction of the whole organism: skin sensitivity changes, capillary blood flow is stimulated, vascular tone changes, a number of systemic changes are observed, including changes in the central nervous system. People exposed to prolonged exposure to static electricity complain of increased fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, etc. Objectively, there is a tendency to arterial hypertension and bradycardia, which indicates vascular spasm and dystonia. Besides synthetic fabric does not allow the body to breathe: during movements the body heats up, normal heat exchange is disrupted, and sweating increases. Such clothing does not allow moisture to pass through - it is waterproof: the sweat that is released by the body does not evaporate from the fabric of the clothing, but is retained between the body and the clothing. There is an effect steam bath, only at the same time he is engaged in steaming in his own sweat, alkali, fats and acids that are released along with him.

Of course, underwear made from synthetic fabrics or from fabrics with the addition of synthetic fibers has its advantages: it does not wrinkle, is easy to wash, plus the low cost of the products. However, you need to take into account its disadvantages, namely: synthetic fabric does not breathe and can cause allergies; against the backdrop of a general passion for ecology, this is especially important.

The harmful effects of synthetics on the body are much wider than is commonly believed. Impaired heat exchange is just the tip of the iceberg; problems with the skin and even the nervous system can arise. Compound
Clothing made from synthetic fabrics became a real breakthrough in the 20th century, taking away a large market share from natural fabrics. Such clothes have another significant plus - practicality in use. Synthetics, as a rule, do not wrinkle, are easier to care for and store, and are more durable compared to natural fabrics. Synthetic fibers are synthesized from petroleum, coal and natural products, recalls Tatyana Sysoeva, Ph.D. medical sciences, dermatovenerologist at the MEDSI Clinical Diagnostic Center.
They have been used in clothing production for more than 50 years; the most popular materials are: polyester, polyamide, acrylic, elastane, nylon.
Dangers
Sysoeva explains: synthetic fabrics in most cases do not allow the skin to breathe. As a result, air circulation is disrupted, thermoregulation suffers, and the person sweats more.
A favorable environment for the growth of bacteria is formed, especially in summer. This threatens with infectious skin lesions: folliculitis, pityriasis versicolor, inguinal epidermophytosis Tatyana SysoevaCandidate of Medical Sciences, dermatovenerologist of the MEDSI Clinical Diagnostic Center
Dermatocosmetologist, candidate of medical sciences Leila Roz also notes that synthetic clothing often causes allergic reactions - rash, redness, itching and irritation of the skin, especially in people with atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases. Due to intense sweating, it appears bad smell, which is difficult to “wash”.
Allergic reactions can also be caused by low-quality toxic paints, which are used in the production of cheap clothes. In addition, according to the head of the expert direction of NP Roskontrol, hygienist Andrei Mosov, some materials can release some toxic substances under clothing - monomers of synthetic fibers.
The physical properties of even the most modern synthetic materials, such as moisture absorption, breathability and electrostatic properties, are strikingly different from those of natural materials. This is why synthetic materials, especially as the first layer of clothing, are undesirableAndrey MosovHead of expert direction of NP Roskontrol, hygienist At the same time, according to Tatyana Sysoeva, due to the fact that synthetic fabric does not absorb moisture well, which means sweat does not evaporates and causes tissue adhesion, the time and area of contact with the skin increases, this increases the risk of developing dermatitis.
As Maya Belousova, a cosmetologist and dermatovenerologist at the multidisciplinary medical center “Clinic No. 1”, notes, a violation of thermoregulation may well lead to overheating of the body in the heat, up to and including heat stroke. In summer, tight synthetic clothing is a direct path to heat illness. Today, this is the name given to various health disorders due to overheating, including the well-known heatstroke, agrees with colleague Andrei Mosov.
Stress
Also, according to Mosov, a violation of the air-heat balance of a person who experiences discomfort all day long, worsens mood, causes stress, can cause many psychosomatic diseases and even lead to more serious problems with health.
You've probably noticed a crackling, tingling spark when you remove synthetic clothing- this is static electricity, which can also have a bad effect on the nerve endings of the skin, which leads to general irritability, fatigue and sleep problems Leila RozCandidate of Medical Sciences, dermatocosmetologist
The expert also does not recommend sleeping on synthetic bedding; this, among other things, “increases the risk of attacks in patients with bronchial asthma and allergic reactions.
Compromise
Natural fabrics also have disadvantages: they are difficult to wash and iron, and they are less practical. However, today a fairly large volume of production is occupied by mixed fabrics containing natural and synthetic fibers simultaneously. Dermatocosmetologist Alena Chernookova believes that this allows you to combine the environmental friendliness and hygiene of natural fabrics with the practicality of synthetic ones, and there is nothing wrong with wearing such things. It is the properties of such fabrics that destroy the myth about the dangers of all synthetic clothing.
The optimal content of synthetics in clothing is from 5% to 15%. This amount will protect you from allergic reactions, infectious and fungal diseases Alena ChernookovaDermatocosmetologist
According to Leila Roz, it is always necessary to take into account that there is quality materials and their not very high quality analogues. For example, quality fabrics for good sportswear include breathable fibers, they have micro-holes that allow air to pass through to the surface of the skin and allow moisture to escape without letting it back in. In addition, in these clothes you will not get wet in the rain. The expert is also sure that it is quite possible to choose things from natural ingredients with the addition of synthetic materials, but in a ratio of no more than 50% synthetic fibers.
Not only the fabric, but also the design of clothing and other wardrobe items can be hazardous to health.

The equipment used in tanning salons and special lamps are artificial tanning devices that claim to provide an effective, fast and harmless alternative to natural tanning. sunlight. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning bed lamps can harm your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.

Every year, about 132,000 cases of malignant melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) and more than two million cases of other skin cancers occur worldwide. One out of every three cancers diagnosed worldwide is skin cancer. Most skin cancers develop as a result of overexposure to natural UV radiation.

Many countries have a ban on visiting solariums for minors - Germany, USA. Along with such countries, there are countries with a complete ban on solariums: the UK and Brazil, and from January 2015 the last solarium in Australia is due to close. The Australian Department of Health has decided to ban tanning salons due to the high risk of developing skin cancer in people visiting solariums. The Australian Department of Health spends up to $100 million a year on the prevention and control of skin cancer. Visiting tanning salons increases the incidence of skin cancer and over the past 30 years, the incidence of skin cancer has quadrupled. This is the fastest growing indicator in the group of oncological diseases. Young people under 25 years of age are most at risk.

According to a study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO), people using fake tan up to 35 years of age, the risk of developing Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer.

1. Skin cancers

UV radiation, both natural radiation from the sun and radiation from artificial sources such as tanning lamps, is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer. It was found that short-wave UV rays of the B spectrum (280-315 nm) are carcinogenic to experimental animals. There is now growing evidence that long-wave UV A rays (315-400 nm), used in tanning equipment and penetrating deeper into the skin, also cause cancer. A study conducted in Norway and Sweden showed a significant increase in the risk of developing malignant melanoma in women who regularly use tanning equipment.

The additional exposure to UV rays emitted from tanning equipment apparently increases the well-known harmful effects of excessive exposure to the sun's UV rays. There is no reason to believe that exposure to UV rays emitted by any type of tanning equipment is any less harmful than exposure to UV rays from the sun. Precancerous keratoses and Bowen's disease have also been found in fair-skinned individuals who protect their skin from sun damage but regularly use tanning equipment for two to three years.

2. Aging skin, eye damage and other adverse health effects

Any excessive exposure to UV rays, not just from artificial sources, can cause structural damage to human skin. Burns, cracks and scars may soon appear, and later photoaging. Photoaging, caused by the destruction of collagen in the skin under the influence of UV rays, manifests itself in the formation of wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

Among eye damage caused by UV rays, it is necessary to note cataracts, pterygium (growth of white spot on the cornea) and eye inflammations such as photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis. In addition, excessive exposure to UV rays can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infectious diseases.

3. Some skin types are not suitable for tanning.

There are six various types skin (I - VI) in terms of its sensitivity to sunburn. People with skin type I have the fairest skin, which can remain completely untanned even after repeated use of tanning equipment. As a rule, sunburn occurs on such skin.

Visitors to solariums are forced to determine that their skin type is not suitable for artificial tanning on their own, or, what is much worse, to be convinced of this through sad experience sunburn. Therefore, it is necessary to train operators of tanning equipment to correctly determine the skin type of visitors. While people with skin type II and above can tan, overexposing their skin to UV rays can also cause skin damage.

4. Dangers of Children's Exposure to UV Rays

Children's exposure to UV rays and childhood burns, both from the sun and from tanning equipment, are known to increase their risk of developing melanoma in the future. For this reason it is necessary to pay Special attention ensuring that children and teenagers are not allowed to use tanning equipment. Exposure to tanning lamps and equipment is "recognized as a human carcinogen" by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the risk increases with length of exposure, especially for people under 30 years of age.