Occupational health hazards of female hairdressers in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Hairdressing is a common worldwide job which embraces a female staff. They are exposed to a variety of prospective health hazards in their work environment. This study aims to identify potential health problems that may be associated with their work. It was conducted to investigate the prevalence of common health problems and their self-perception of health in female hairdressers. Thirty hairdressing salons in Jacarepaguá district of, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were included in the study. Deprived health status such as respiratory illness, and reproductive outcomes were observed in female hair dressers irrespective of age. A high prevalence of smoking and a lack of consciousness to use protective equipment such as gloves to undertake wet work and handling a range of chemicals were noticed. Awareness regarding the prevailing risks in the working environment is recommended for all hairdressers. Employment of proper guidelines and systematic self-monitoring according to the guidelines to minimize health problems in hair dressers is recommended.

Occupational Health Risks of Female Hairdressers: Knowledge, Practice, and Self-Reported Symptoms

“…(6) According to work nature, the majority of hairdressers were full-time workers. This agreed with results reported by Loughlin and Oosthuizen (2012) in Western Australia (18) , Ferreira (2013) in Brazil (1) , and Bradshaw et al (2011) in the United Kingdom (13) . This might be explained by the fact that hairdressing job is considered the main source of earning for hairdressers, and most of them do not work at another job.…”

“…Contributions of young workers in the main workforce were similarly found among Spanish, Brazilian, and Turkish studies. (1,12,16) Regarding the level of education, a high education level in the current study constituted nearly 16% of the studied sample, and middle education formed roughly 60%. This agreed with educational status observed among other Egyptian hairdressers in Benha, Kalyobiya governorate ( 10) , as well as the overall Egyptian women described by the Egyptian Demographic Health Survey, 2015.…”

“…The sector is characterized by a young workforce. (1) Hairdressers are exposed to a diversity of harmful agents in the workplace. These comprise chemical agents, such as hair dyes, and physical agents, such as noise and temperature.…”

Occupational Respiratory and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Egyptian Female Hairdressers

“…among the Egyptians [25,27]. Hairdressing is a common worldwide job particularly amongst female [12]. There are several million hairdressers worldwide.…”

Micronucleus frequency in exfoliated buccal cells from hairdresser who expose to hair products

“…They may also exposed to volatile solvents, propellants and aerosols from hairsprays such as formaldehyde, methacrylates and nitrosamines. 2 Hairdressers and their clients are chronically exposed to variety of chemical and mechanical hair treatment that contain a high number of potentially harmful chemicals, including acetone, benzaldehyde, valeraldehyde, 3 lead acetate, p-phenylenediamine, hydrogen peroxide or bisthmuth citrate. 4 Toxic substances such as thioglycolic acid (TGA), which can absorb through the skin and cause damage to organs and animal systems.…”