Understanding Dermal and Inhalation Exposure for Hairdressers Through Questionnaire, Diaries and Surveys

Abstract

P-096 Introduction: A number of hairdressers suffer from occupational dermatitis and asthma related reactions as a result of harsh occupational chemical products. There is a need to evaluate and manage exposure practices in salons and old, new and emerging chemical products. The analyzed results of data collected from questionnaires, diaries, and surveys from a preliminary project of ten salons and ten hairdressers in the Little Rock Metropolitan area will be presented. Methods: In this study, hairdressers were required to maintain a five-day diary of treatment procedures, the number of daily clients, and any personal protective equipment used. Hairdressers were also required to answer a 60 minute questionnaire covering demographics, product usage, personal care, workplace practices, protective equipment, safety training, workplace ergonomics, general health, and risk perception. Salon owners were also required to answer a 60 minute questionnaire on demographics, salon characteristics, product purchases, workplace practices and ventilation. Researchers also conducted a short walk-through survey/sketch to identify the location of HVAC, exhaust systems and overall layout. Results: Analyzed results across the salons and across hairdressers indicate that there is much variability for these hairdressers, especially in the types and brands of products used and in the number of clients seen each day (approx 1–10 clients, over 200 different product brands). This results in highly variable exposures. A range of 30–200 minutes a day is spent using harsh hair care treatments on clients (e.g., streaking, permanent and semi-permanent dyes, and relaxers). Those that mostly preformed these harsher hair care treatments complained of sinus problems. Consistently, gloves were used by all during the application of strong dyes and relaxers but were not used during washing and styling. Face masks were never used and exhaust fans were found in only two of the salons. Face mask and exhaust fans can protect against inhalation exposure. A number of other summarized findings from the questionnaires, diaries and surveys will be discussed. Discussion: This preliminary research will aid in designing more extended monitoring for this population. The overall project also involves the use of tailored videotaping and translation methods to collect and describe the intermittent dermal (i.e., changing frequency and duration of contact with hair care products), and inhalation activities (i.e., frequency and duration in specific micro-environments within a salon's facility) leading to chemical exposures in the workplace. These micro-activities will later be compared to the activities gathered through the questionnaires, diaries and surveys.