Occupational asthma in a hairdressing salon.

Abstract

Occupational asthma among hairdressers has been recognised for some years and cases of work related asthma due to hair bleaches containing persulphates and hair dyes have been reported. The extent of the disease among hairdressers remains unknown. An investigation was carried out on an entire hairdressing salon, which specialised in hair bleaching and colouring and which employed 23 staff. On the basis of history and specific and non-specific bronchial provocation testing, four out of 23 staff were found to have occupational asthma due to the persulphate salts contained in hair bleaches. Only one of these had a positive skinprick test response to persulphate salts. Tests for non-specific bronchial reactivity to histamine in this work force were more sensitive for the diagnosis of asthma than simple lung function tests or recordings of peak flow rates performed four times daily for three weeks. The response to these agents was studied in greater detail by specific bronchial provocation tests in 14 members of the salon as well as one hairdresser from elsewhere with occupational asthma, three individuals with non-occupational asthma, and four normal subjects. Only those with a history of work related asthma and bronchial hyperreactivity responded positively, confirming that the response to bleach powders was specific. Studies of pulmonary mechanics after challenge showed that the response arose from changes in airway calibre not lung volumes. Measurement of neutrophil chemotactic activity after challenge showed significant rises in those affected, suggesting that mast cells may play a part in the pathogenesis of occupational asthma due to persulphates.Hairdressers may be exposed to various chemicals capable of producing respiratory symptoms and disease. Some are known to have irritant properties and acute respiratory reactions have been described after exposure to hair sprays,' but others can produce asthma. Persulphate salts, which are widely used as constituents of hair bleaches, have been shown to cause asthma in hairdressers2 4 and chemical workers5; henna6 and other hair dyes containing paraphenylenediamine7 are also thought to be capable of producing asthma in some individuals. Little is known about the prevalence of asthma due to these agents or the mechanisms underlying asthma caused by these highly reactive, low molecular weight chemicals.We report the results of an investigation conducted in a hairdressing salon that specialised in bleaching and colouring hair, in which the employees were frequently exposed to high concentrations of bleaching

A study of the prevalence of respiratory morbidity and ventilatory obstruction in beauty parlour workers

“…The results of the present study support the other cross-sectional studies that have found increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms in hairdressers, even after adjusting for smoking. [22][23][24][25] Even asymptomatic workers show prevalence of bronchial obstruction of 4.7%, which denotes the work exposure related upper airway obstruction. Symptomatic workers also show 28% bronchial obstruction.…”

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

“…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.…”

“…Products that contain chemical allergens that have been associated with hypersensitivity in hairdressers include persulphate salts, dyes containing paraphenylenediamine, and permanent wave solutions. (23,24) VI. RESULTS…”

“…(27) The respiratory symptoms reported by hair stylists in this study are consistent with those reported in other studies of hair stylists. (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.…”

Human Exposure Assessment and Relief From Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: Case Study of a Hairdresser

“…19 This job-related exposure has been associated with a number of health concerns, primarily skin disorders, 9 -12 respiratory conditions, [12][13][14][15][16] and cancer. [17][18][19] Although correlation between hairdressing chemicals and neuropsychiatric symptoms has not been documented in the medical literature thus far, it is recognized that neurotoxicants can express themselves in a "plethora of possible endpoints," including neurobehavioral manifestations.…”