193 citations
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February 2015 in “Nature Communications” Fungi-produced compounds can change plant root growth.
18 citations
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July 2022 in “Frontiers in Immunology” Volatile organic compounds can cause inflammation and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases.
98 citations
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February 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Air pollution harms skin, causing aging, diseases, and cancer.
Environmental pollutants such as PM2.5–PM10, NOx, and volatile organic compounds are linked to skin and hair disorders, including accelerated skin aging, atopic dermatitis, chloracne, increased skin cancer risk, psoriasis flares, hyperpigmentation, and hair loss. A study involving 211 women in high-traffic areas and 189 in rural areas highlights the impact of pollution on skin aging. This review explores natural adsorbents like zeolites, clays, activated carbon, and polyphenol-rich plant extracts for use in anti-pollution cosmetics. These adsorbents, with capacities of 60 to 150 mg·g−1 and removal efficiencies of 30–55%, work through ion exchange, surface adsorption, hydrophobic interactions, and radical scavenging. Incorporating 2–5% w/w of these adsorbents in cosmetics can significantly reduce pollutant deposition on skin and hair, supporting the development of sustainable anti-pollution cosmetic strategies.
Plant roots respond to fungus smells by possibly using certain proteins and a plant hormone to change root growth, but more research is needed.