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. Other substances are incriminated, particularly henna, lycopod powder, sericine and chemical agents. We carried out an exposed-nonexposed retrospective cohort study, which has permitted us to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms and deterioration in ventilatory indices in 100 hairdressers. The evaluation includes a questionnaire (CECA. WHO), spirometry and allergic skin tests to commun allergens. Fifty-four percent of hairdressers have clinical symptomatology versus 23% of nonexposed persons. Rhinitis, asthma, chronic bronchitics and cough are more frequent in the hairdressers than in the nonexposed, with respectively 24, 9, 7 and 13% versus 10, 4, 2 and 7%. Respiratory function is altered in 51% of the exposed versus 13% of the nonexposed. Mild obstructive syndrome and small airways deficit are the main disorders found. The atopy seems to be a potentiating factor for asthma and rhinitis. The tobacco factor is at the origin of increased cough and chronic bronchitis. The inquiry in the workplace revealed poor working conditions. It is thus imperative to develop means of collective and individual protection and medical prevention measures.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
