Occupational exposures and respiratory symptoms and lung function among hairdressers in Iran: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective Exposures at hairdressers’ work have been reported to lead to an increased risk of several health outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the relations between occupational exposures and respiratory symptoms and lung function among hairdressers in Iran. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare potential respiratory effects among 140 women working as hairdressers to such effects among 140 women working as office workers (administrative personnel). Both groups worked in Shiraz, Iran. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by a standard respiratory questionnaire. The questionnaire also inquired about substances used and workspace conditions, including ventilation type. Lung function levels were measured by spirometry. Results Respiratory symptoms, including cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness were significantly more frequent in hairdressers compared to the reference group (p < 0.05). After controlling for potential confounders, hairdressers had a prevalence ratio (PR) of 2.18 (95% CI 1.26–3.77) for cough, 9.59 (95% CI 1.004–91.73) for wheezing, 2.06 (95% CI 1.25–3.39) for shortness of breath, and 3.31 (95% CI 1.84–5.97) for chest tightness compared to the reference group. Lung function parameters (including VC, FVC, and FEV1) were significantly reduced in hairdressers (p < 0.001). Absence of air conditioning predicted greater reduction in lung function (p < 0.05) in the exposed. Decrease in FVC with normal FEV1/FVC in the exposed group suggested existence of restrictive lung function. Conclusions This study provides evidence of increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and restrictive lung function impairment among hairdressers in Iran.

Respiratory afflictions during hairdressing jobs: case history and clinical evaluation of a large symptomatic case series

“…Bearing those differences in mind and accounting for influences from special subgroups studied (e.g. apprentices), demographics and tenure time were mostly in line with the expectations for hairdressers from the full spectrum of the working population [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 , 21 , 22 ]. While current smokers were found to a lesser extent than often described [ 3 , 21 , 22 , 32 ], the prevalence was comparable to current data from the German female population (18.6%) [ 33 ].…”

Lung function tests in hairdressers of Gangtok: A cross-sectional study

“…The exposed group had more complaints of symptoms related to the respiratory system than the unexposed group though the potential confounders were adjusted. [ 12 ] In a five-year follow-up study, it was seen that the duration of work is directly proportional to the decline in respiratory function. It was also seen that a few hairdressers even left their jobs because of developing respiratory symptoms.…”

Exploring sex differences in lung cancer risk among workers in Ontario, Canada's Occupational Disease Surveillance System

“…However, there is limited understanding of sex-specific differences in lung cancer risk (10). Some studies have explored occupations where females may be at a risk, such as hairdressing (11,12), and nail salons (13, 14), which may involve exposure to chemicals in hair dyes (11), and volatile organic compounds (14), respectively. Another study identified increased risk of lung cancer among female nurses with long duration of rotating night shift work, although this was only observed among smokers (15).…”