Particles in exhaust fumes have been linked to hair loss in men in a research carried out by scientists from the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV).
To be sure of their assertions, the scientists first exposed cells from the human scalp at the base of hair follicles, known as human follicle dermal papilla cells, to various concentrations of fine dust and diesel particulate extract.
After twenty-four hours, tested the samples to detect specific levels of proteins in the cells. The researchers found that the presence of dust and diesel particulate reduced amounts levels beta catenin and morphogenesis, which are proteins necessary for hair growth. of the protein responsible for hair growth.
Hyuk Chul Kwon, who was lead researcher on the study, stated that the study was embarked upon to fill the gap in research on the effect of particulate matter exposure on the human skin, and hair in particular.
“Our research explains the mode of action of air pollutants on human follicle dermal papilla cells, showing how the most common air pollutants lead to hair loss”, he added.
Particulate matter is a term used to describe a mixture of solid particles and droplets found in the air. Sources of PM include the burning of fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and other solid-fuels such as coal, oil and biomass as well as other industrial activities such as building, mining and the manufacturing of building materials like cement, ceramics and bricks
