O-211 Occupational exposure of hairdressers to airborne hazardous chemicals: a scoping review. (14th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kezic, Sanja; Nunez, Roberto; Babić, Željka; Hallmann, Sarah; Havmose, Martin S; Johansen, Jeanne D; John, Swen M; Macan, Marija; Symanzik, Cara; Uter, Wolfgang; Weinert, Patricia; Turk, Rajka; Macan, Jelena; Molen, Henk F van der
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 80(2023)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A21
• Page End: A21
• Publication Date: 2023-03-14
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/OEM-2023-EPICOH.49
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Hairdressers are at increased risk of adverse health effects due to exposure to hazardous chemicals released from hair care products during hairdressing activities. Safety assessments of hair products consider only consumer exposure, however exposure for professional hairdressers might be substantially higher. In this study we aimed to review research data on inhalation exposures of professional hairdressers. Materials & Methods: A systematic search of studies between 1 January 2000 and 30 April 2021 was performed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and in Cochrane registry, toxicological dossiers of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Commission as well as the German MAK Commission. We included the studies which reported quantitative data on airborne concentrations of chemicals in the hairdresser's workplace. Results & Conclusions: In total, 23 studies, performed in 14 countries reported air concentrations of chemicals measured in the hair salons by using environmental or personal sampling. The most frequently measured chemicals were formaldehyde (n = 8), ammonia (n = 5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) (n = 5), and toluene (n = 4). More than fifty other chemicals including various aromatic and aliphatic organic solvents, hydrogen peroxide, persulfate, and particulate matter were measured in one to three studies. The air concentrations of chemicals were dependent on salon characteristics such as ventilation and the number of customers but also on used products that are often country- or client-specific. Several studies reported the air concentrations of formaldehyde, ammonia, and TVOC which exceeded OEL or guidance values. This review study revealed that hairdressers are exposed to a wide spectrum of hazardous chemicals, often simultaneously. Therefore, occupational exposure should be taken into account by safety regulations for hair care products.