Trends in occupational airway diseases in german hairdressers: Frequency and causes

Abstract

The number of allergen- and irritant-induced cases of OAD in German hairdressers is still high. Exposure to known airway irritants is still occurring in spite of modification of the formulations. Continuous medical surveillance of hairdressers is recommended, in order to detect individual susceptibility, especially in apprentices.

Worldwide trends in incidence in occupational allergy and asthma

“…In Germany, changes in recognized compensation claims for occupational obstructive airway diseases (OADs) were reported by causal agents from 1970 to 2005 [25]. Another German study [14] of confirmed compensation cases of OAD from 1998 to 2007 observed a decline in latex-induced OAD in healthcare workers and in allergen-induced OAD in hairdressers from 2003. In an occupational dermatology clinic database Victoria, Australia, there was an increase in incidence for OACD in hairdressers from 1999 to 2004 followed by a decline from to 2009, but no change in compensation claims over the same period [42].…”

“…In this review, we will first consider the trends in OAA over all exposures combined and then examine trends in OAA attributed to specific exposures, for example epoxy resins [13], or occupational sectors, for example hairdressers [14]. ].…”

Incidence of skin and respiratory diseases among Danish hairdressing apprentices

“…rhinitis (8), and asthma (9)(10)(11)(12). In these registry studies, the primary focus is on diagnosed cases of disease, and thereby conservative risk estimates of the actual occurrence are given.…”

Exposure of hairdressers to the main cosmetics used in hairdressing salons in France: A preliminary study

“…Few studies have focused in this subject, however, it should be considered in the assessment of exposure to nonvolatile substances in cosmetic products used in hairdressing 27 . On the other 21 hand, observations have revealed that for most workers, the use of gloves means wearing them principally during application of the mixture but not necessarily during other steps. Thus, they may declare that they use protective equipment when they only use them for one step.…”

“…During application, hair dyes may be in contact with hairdressers' skin through dermal contact but, at the same time, they can be inhaled due to evaporation. 9,20,21 Professional practices also impact the degree of exposure. For example, the risk for hairdressers via dermal exposure seems to increase with the practice of unprotected wet work 23 .…”