Characterization of Chemical Exposures in Hairdressing Salons

Abstract

Workers in hairdressing salons are exposed to several hundred chemicals, of which a few are possibly detrimental to pregnant workers or their fetuses. In Quebec, a government program provides protective reassignment for exposed pregnant workers. This study was set up to assist public health physicians by describing the exposure levels for ingredients that were measurable (i.e., airborne), selected from a list of possibly detrimental hairdressing ingredients. Twenty-six salons were sampled in Montreal, Canada, between June 1996 and December 1997. At the time of sampling, information on certain work conditions (e.g., chemical services offered, number of clients, average CO(2) level during the day) was also noted. Fifty percent of the salons provided additional services other than hairdressing, such as manicures, pedicures, or beauty treatments. Almost half of the salons were quite small, with less than 5 employees. Average temperature ranged between 17 and 26 degrees C, relative humidity between 18 and 59 percent and average CO(2) concentrations from 583 to 4301 mg/m(3). Duration of samples varied between 15 minutes and 8 hours. The most prevalent chemicals were alcohols: ethanol, at an average personal concentration of 39.9 mg/m(3), and isopropanol at an average personal concentration of 3.1 mg/m(3). Acetone, toluene, and acetates, all related to manicure services, were also measured in small quantities. An empirical mathematical model brought in evidence that CO(2) levels explained 46 percent of variation in the concentration of ethanol; when number of permanent waves done during the day and relative humidity and temperature were added, the resulting model explained 68 percent of the variations in ethanol. Thus, although the measured concentrations of chemicals were fairly low in this study, it appears possible that on very busy days, especially if other chemical services are performed in the salon, the total mixture of airborne chemicals could reach significant concentrations.

Airborne exposure to chemical substances in hairdresser salons

“…As the results are quite similar to the ones found in other European countries (Van der Wal at al. 1997;Muiswinkel et al 1997;Hollund and Moen 1998;Leino et al 1999;Labreche et al 2003;Mounier-Geyssant et al 2006), we also think the results may be used as a basis for preventive work in hair dressing salons in general. However, it is important to note that the exposure might be affected by hair fashions.…”

“…Although several investigations describe health problems among hairdressers that might be related to their occupation, and possibly to chemical exposures ( Van der Wal et al 1997;Leino et al 1998;Gago-Dominguez et al 2001;Hollund et al 2001;Kersemaekers et al 1997;Albin et al 2002) very few studies are published showing chemical exposure levels in hairdressing salons (Muiswinkel et al 1997;Hollund and Moen 1998;Leino et al 1999;Labreche et al 2003;Mounier-Geyssant et al 2006). They focus on the determination of certain chemicals, finding different exposure profiles and point out the importance of the local exhaust ventilation.…”

Pregnancy outcomes among female hairdressers who participated in the Danish National Birth Cohort

“…Hairdressers can be exposed to several chemicals, such as solvents and dyes (1,2). On the basis of limited evidence of an excess risk of bladder cancer among male hairdressers, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that occupation as a hairdresser entails exposures that are probably carcinogenic (group 2A) (3).…”

Formaldehyde exposures during Brazilian Blowout hair smoothing treatment at a hair salon - Ohio.

“…Some of these ingredients, including formaldehyde, have been found to be carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer [Labreche et al 2003]. Formaldehyde (CAS number 50-0-0) is a colorless gas at room temperature and is known and marketed in products under various names, including methanal, methylene oxide, formalin, and methylene glycol [NIST 2011].…”

“…disCussion Employees in hair salons are exposed to a variety of chemicals that are constituents of the products used in the trade [Labreche et al 2003;Mendes et al 2011]. Some of these ingredients, including formaldehyde, have been found to be carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer [Labreche et al 2003].…”