Asthma due to inhaled chemical agents—persulphate salts and henna in hairdressers

Abstract

Occupational type exposure tests in two female hairdressers with occupational asthma gave, in one, an immediate asthmatic reaction to the mixing of a bleach containing potassium persulphate with hydrogen peroxide and also immediate skin test reactions to sodium and potassium persulphate, and in the other a non-immediate asthmatic reaction and negative skin tests to the persulphate preparations and also immediate skin and bronchial reactions to an extract of henna.

Occupational skin and respiratory diseases among hairdressers

“…Together with hair sprays, it was also subjectively the most annoying agent in the hairdressers' work environment, particularly worsening the respiratory symptoms. It is difficult to comprehend why the use of ammonium persulfate still persists in the hairdressing trade, although its side effects have been known for decades (26).…”

Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-89-138-2215, Chapple Hair Styling Salon, Garfield Heights, Ohio.

“…(23,28,29) Two commonly used methods for identifying potential cases of occupational asthma, symptom questionnaire and peak flow meters, were employed in this study of 33 employees at the Chapple Hairstyling Salon. Thirteen workers (39%) reported experiencing at least two symptoms consistent with asthma, but no acute airway obstruction in otherwise well employees, as is seen asthma, was found by peak flow testing.…”

“…are capable of causing skin irritation, respiratory problems including bronchial irritation and occupational asthma, and other adverse symptoms through inhalation and dermal absorption. (23,27,28,29) Epidemiological evidence also suggests an elevated risk of cancer at several sites (particularly bladder and lung) for hairdressers with exposure to hair-care products. (27,30,31) Contact dermatitis is a well-recognized, and possibly the most frequent, occupational disease among cosmetologists.…”

“…(23,34) Occupational asthma among hair stylists has been associated with persulphate salts used in hair bleaches, henna, and other hair dyes containing paraphenylenediamine. (23,29) In addition to shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest discomfort, other symptoms including irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat, headache, nausea, and vomiting following exposure to various aerosols have been recorded. (23,24,34,39) Thirteen (39%) participants, including the four persons with diagnosed asthma, reported having at least two symptoms suggestive of asthma within the preceding month.…”

Jack Pepys' contributions to the medical literature

“…27 When the occupational exposure resulted from fumes, these were generated for the challenges, as with aminoethyl ethanolamine in aluminum soldering, 28 colophony (pine resin) soldering flux, 29 and electronic soldering 30 ; epoxy resins containing phthalic acid anhydride, trimellitic acid anhydride, and triethylene tetramine 31 ; toluene diisocyanate as a component of varnishes 32 ; and fumes from persulfate salts and henna used in hairdressing. 33 Throughout his career, Professor Pepys maintained an interest in and contributed to the literature of clinical allergy. His first article, in 1951, was about negative skin tests in allergic rhinitis and nasal polyposis.…”