Consumer products linked to eye injuries and microplastic release

Researchers have highlighted significant health risks associated with common household items. An analysis by the University of Missouri-Kansas City, using data from 2005 to 2024, revealed that nearly 42,500 people in the United States visited emergency rooms due to eye injuries related to cosmetics and personal care products. The study, presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology congress, noted that 82 percent of those affected were women and girls, with an average age of 24. Risks include mascara, eyelash glue, nail polish, perfumes, hairspray, and heated styling tools.

In a separate study, Australian researchers from Flinders University and the University of Newcastle investigated the release of microplastics from damaged non-stick cookware. Using Raman imaging and electron microscopy, scientists found that a single scratch on a Teflon pan could release approximately 9,100 plastic particles, while extensive coating damage could release up to 2.3 million particles. The study, published in ‘Science of the Total Environment’, observed that used pans sometimes released more particles than new ones during simulated kitchen use.