Occupational Exposure of Hairdressers to Airborne Hazardous Chemicals: A Scoping Review

Micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies in exfoliated urothelial cells and urinary 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine levels among Turkish hairdressers

Hairdressers are constantly occupationally exposed to many chemicals have the potential to cause allergies and carcinogenic effects, act as skin and eye irritants and induce oxidative stress and DNA damage. This study aimed to evaluate occupation-induced genotoxicity based on the presence of micronucleus (MN) and other nuclear anomalies in urothelial cells and measure oxidative DNA damage based on the 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine level in the urine of Turkish hairdressers. Originality of this study comes from that there was no study on MN and other nuclear anomalies frequencies and oxidative DNA damage in urine samples of hairdressers in the literature. The mean±standard deviation frequency (‰) of micronucleated (MNed) cells was higher in the hairdresser group (n=56) (4.81±7.87, p<0.001) than in the control group (n=56) (0.93±1.85). Nuclear buds were not observed in either group. While the frequency of basal cells was higher in the control group (446.6±106.21) than in the hairdresser group (367.78±101.51, p<0.001), the frequency of binuclear, karyolytic, pycnotic and karyorrhectic cells were higher in the hairdresser group (0.41±0.80, p<0.001; 438.02±118.27, p<0.001; 0.43±0.76, p<0.001; and 47.27±28.40, p<0.001) than in the control group (0.04±0.27, 358.57±95.71, 0.05±0.23 and 24.41±14.50). Condensed chromatins were observed only in the hairdresser group. Specific gravity adjusted 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine level was statistically lower in the hairdresser group (908.21±403.25 ng/mL-SG) compared to the control group (1003.09±327.09 ng/mL-SG) (p=0.024). No significant correlation was found between the 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine level and the frequency MN. The amount of formaldehyde released during Brazilian keratin treatment was higher than the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists -Threshold Limit Value (ACGIH-TLV; 0.1 ppm). Similarly, the amount of ethyl acetate released in three salons was above the recommended limit (400 ppm). These findings suggest that hairdressers have an increased risk of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity owing to occupational exposure, regardless of age, working hours, smoking and alcohol consumption.

Cancer mortality and premature deaths among hairdressers in Brazil

Hairdresser is an occupation classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A) for lung and bladder cancer, but evidence is accumulating on its association with other cancer types. To our knowledge, this is the first study aimed to compare the cancer mortality and premature mortality between hairdressers and other workers in Brazil.

METHODS

In this exploratory study, information on deaths by selected cancers that occurred in Brazil, from 1996 to 2020, among workers aged 20-70y, with identified occupation was gathered from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. Sociodemographic characteristics, sex-specific mortality ratio, and Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) were compared between hairdressers, service workers, and general workers. We used logistic regression models to estimate crude (ORC) and adjusted (ORADJ) odds ratios. Models were adjusted by age, educational level, and ethnicity. We also used Poisson regression models to compare the YPLL rates across the occupational groups.

RESULTS

From 1996 to 2020, 23 557 deaths occurred among hairdressers, 576 428 among service workers, and 13 332 996 among general workers in Brazil. Higher mortality ORs and YPLL were observed for several types of cancer among hairdressers, compared to service and general workers, especially for women. Hairdressers' mortality was significantly higher among whites, women, younger workers, and those who completed high school. Female hairdressers had significantly higher odds of dying from cancer of the digestive, respiratory, reproductive, urinary, and hematological systems, both in crude and adjusted models. For male hairdressers, higher odds were found only for urinary tract and bladder cancer, while other significant associations indicated lower mortality than the comparison groups. YPLL analyses revealed significant premature deaths among Brazilian hairdressers. In women, this was more evident among those who died of neoplasms of salivary glands, bones and articular cartilages, and acute lymphoid leukemia; in men, tongue, pharynx, and thyroid.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Brazilian female hairdressers are more likely to die from several cancers, with potential consequences on premature deaths. Causal associations to occupational risks, such as exposure to chemicals, should be investigated by observational epidemiologic studies. Meanwhile, it is important to promote public policies, regulations, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) strategies to protect hairdressers' health, mitigate occupational risks, and ensure safe workplaces.

The effect of occupational exposure to noise and chemical agents on hearing abilities

Exposure to loud noise or chemical agents may cause hearing disorders such as tinnitus and recruitment, known as an increase in the perception of loudness in addition to hearing loss. Our study aims to evaluate the hearing abilities of hairdressers exposed to noise and chemical agents in the working environment. The study included one hundred hairdressers and one hundred participants who do not work as hairdressers or are nonworkers. The participants' demographic characteristics, working conditions, and auditory complaints were questioned, and each participant completed the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in speech perception, spatial perception, hearing quality, and general SSQ scores. Hairdressers' SSQ scores were significantly lower in all sub-dimensions and general scale scores (p < 0.001). The auditory complaints of the hairdressers and the low SSQ scores indicate that exposure to noise and chemical agents affects the hairdressers' hearing system.

What a mix! Volatile organic compounds and worker exposure in small business beauty salons in Tucson, Arizona

Introduction

Small business beauty salons have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their workplace air. VOCs are present as ingredients in beauty or hair products. They may also form because of chemical reactions, where thermal-styling elements accelerate the volatilization of these compounds. Uncertainties remain about the relationship between air pollutant concentrations and the variety of beauty salon activities in a work shift. Investigating these associations can help determine high-risk services, associated products, and at-risk workers.

Methods

In this exploratory study, female community health workers recruited beauty salons from target zip codes in predominately Latino neighborhoods, including primarily Spanish-speaking small businesses. We collected salon chemical inventories, business characteristics, and participant activity logs to understand how chemicals and activities influence the total and specific VOC concentrations. We sampled personal total VOCs and specific VOCs from the same shop during the participant work shift. We also measured personal total VOCs for four work shifts per shop.

Results

A linear mixed effects model of log VOCs on the fixed effect of activity and the random effects of salon and shift within the salon showed that the variance between salons explains over half (55%) of the total variance and is 4.1 times bigger than for shifts within salons. Summa canisters detected 31 specific VOCs, and hazard scores ranged between 0 and 4.3. 2-Propanol (isopropyl alcohol) was the only VOC detected in all shifts of all salons.

Discussion

In this study, differences in VOC measurements were primarily between salons. These differences may result from differences in ventilation, services rendered, and product lines applied.

Assessing occupational exposure of airborne PMs and TVOCs in the nail salons in Tehran city, Iran

There are concerns about the health of nail salon technicians due to the inherently harmful agents such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and released particles in the salons. For this reason, this study was conducted to investigate the occupational exposure of nail salon technicians to VOCs and particulate matters (PMs) in the nail salons in Tehran, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, indoor air quality and measurement continually Total VOCs and PMs in the various size of PM1-PM10 using PhoCheck Tiger and particle counter device investigated, respectively. site observation, and an interview with the manager in 49 salons in Tehran. Data was analyzed using SPSS software (version 22). Mean concentrations of PM1 with 2.56 μɡ/m3 was the lowest amount and PM10 with 346.86μɡ/m3 had the highest concentration. Also, the mean concentration of TVOCs was equal 2.61 ppm. The results of the regression model showed that there is a statistically significant between the number of services with airborne PMs (PM2.5), (p-Value≤0.050). In salons only with nail activities, the concentration of PM4 was less than the others, although this correlation was statistically significant just for PM1 (p-Value = 0.010). By implementing effective local exhaust ventilation systems equipped with dust collectors and utilizing safe products, the emission of particles and chemical compounds within salons can be significantly reduced.

The cost of beauty: Perspectives of salon workers in Kisumu City, Kenya

Despite occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products (PCPs), salon workers receive minimal formal protections. Consequently, most salon workers rely on personal safeguards. However, the nature of such individual-level safeguards remains unknown. Knowledge of risks associated with occupational use of cosmetics and PCPs and information needs of salon workers were investigated in Kisumu City, Kenya. Responses from 302 respondents showed that 84% were women and 30% had post-secondary education. Seventy percent reported knowing that ingestion, inhalation, dermal absorption, and injection are the pathways through which harmful products in cosmetics and PCPs may enter the body. Salon workers who had been employed for more than 5 years were at least twice more likely to report that it is not the case that cosmetics and PCPs only cause harm to children (5-10 years vs 1 year: OR = 2.440, 95% CI, 1.160-5.239; >10 years vs 1 year: OR = 8.857, 95% CI, 3.163-29.377); they were about three times more likely to either agree with the statement that cosmetics and PCPs only cause harm under prolonged exposure or to say that they did not know compared to their counterparts who had worked in the industry for 1 year (5-10 years vs 1 year: OR = 2.750, 95% CI, 1.144-7.179; >10 years vs 1 year: 3.179, 95% CI, 1.173-9.096). Over 50% of the respondents reported that they need information on how to protect themselves and others; on available protective measures; and on cosmetic products and PCPs that are safe. Sixty percent reported that they would prefer to get such information from the Ministry of Health at the county or national level and on product inserts. Overall, salon workers in Kisumu City are knowledgeable about the risks associated with their occupation but also appreciate gaps in their knowledge, which can be filled by government-mandated interventions.

Contact allergy to ingredients of hair cosmetics in female hairdressers and female consumers-An update based on IVDK data 2013-2020

BACKGROUND

Hair cosmetic products contain several, partly potent contact allergens, including excipients like preservatives. Hand dermatitis in hairdressers is common, scalp and face dermatitis in clients or self-users (summarised here as 'consumers') may be severe.

OBJECTIVE

To compare frequencies of sensitization to hair cosmetic ingredients and other selected allergens between female patch tested patients working as hairdressers and consumers without professional background, respectively, who were tested for suspected allergic contact dermatitis to such products.

METHODS

Patch test and clinical data collected by the IVDK (https://www.ivdk.org) between 01/2013 and 12/2020 were descriptively analysed, focusing on age-adjusted sensitization prevalences in the two subgroups.

RESULTS

Amongst the 920 hairdressers (median age: 28 years, 84% hand dermatitis) and 2321 consumers (median age: 49 years, 71.8% head/face dermatitis), sensitization to p-phenylenediamine (age-standardised prevalence: 19.7% and 31.6%, respectively) and toluene-2,5-diamine (20 and 30.8%) were most common. Contact allergy to other oxidative hair dye ingredients was also more commonly diagnosed in consumers, whereas ammonium persulphate (14.4% vs. 2.3%) and glyceryl thioglycolate (3.9 vs. 1.2%) as well as most notably methylisothiazolinone (10.5% vs. 3.1%) were more frequent allergens in hairdressers.

CONCLUSIONS

Hair dyes were the most frequent sensitizers both in hairdressers and in consumers; however, as indication for patch testing may differ, prevalences cannot directly be compared. The importance of hair dye allergy is evident, often with marked coupled reactivity. Workplace and product safety need to be further improved.

Bleaching powders, bleaching creams and other hair lightening preparations as sources for (airborne) allergic contact dermatitis and other health effects in hairdressers: Results of an empirical study

BACKGROUND

Various products are available for lightening hair. There are no data on which applications are actually used in hairdressing, impeding proper estimation of actual exposure and necessary preventive measures.

OBJECTIVES

To assess information about availability, usage and formulation of lightening preparations in the German hairdressing trade.

METHODS

A market survey was conducted and hairdressers were surveyed by online questionnaires.

RESULTS

Of 783 hairdressers clicking the link, 565 hairdressers (91.2% female, mean age of 40.2 ± 11.7 years) from all German states responded (response rate: 72.2%). The questionnaire survey has shown that available hair-lightening preparations in the German hairdressing trade are (multiple selection possible): dust-free (88.5%) and non-dust-free bleaching powders (22.1%), bleaching creams (41.9%), high-lifting hair colour creams (88.8%) and normal hair colour creams (58.4%). Five hundred eighteen (91.7%) hairdressers favour lightening hair with powder. The market survey revealed that bleaching powders and creams contain potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate and sodium persulfate or combinations of these persulfate salts.

CONCLUSIONS

Hairdressers are exposed to various hair-lightening applications containing different chemicals. Preventive measures need to address adverse skin and respiratory effects. Implementation of targeted health education already in early career stages (i.e., apprenticeship) seems advisable and can be maintained by refresher trainings.

Genotoxicity of oxidative hair dye precursors: A systematic review

This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, focuses on genotoxicity of oxidative hair dye precursors. The search for original papers published from 2000 to 2021 was performed in Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane registry, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety of the European Commission and German MAK Commission opinions. Nine publications on genotoxicity of p-phenylenediamine (PPD) and toluene-2,5-diamine (p-toluylenediamine; PTD) were included, reporting results of 17 assays covering main genotoxicity endpoints. PPD and PTD were positive in bacterial mutation in vitro assay, and PPD tested positive also for somatic cell mutations in the Rodent Pig-a assay in vivo. Clastogenicity of PPD and PTD was revealed by in vitro chromosomal aberration assay. The alkaline comet assay in vitro showed DNA damage after PPD exposure, which was not confirmed in vivo, where PTD exhibited positive results. PPD induced micronucleus formation in vitro, and increased micronucleus frequencies in mice erythrocytes following high dose oral exposure in vivo. Based on the results of a limited number of data from the classical genotoxicity assay battery, this systematic review indicates genotoxic potential of hair dye precursors PPD and PTD, which may present an important health concern for consumers and in particular for professional hairdressers.

Biomanufacturing Biotinylated Magnetic Nanomaterial via Construction and Fermentation of Genetically Engineered Magnetotactic Bacteria

Biosynthesis provides a critical way to deal with global sustainability issues and has recently drawn increased attention. However, modifying biosynthesized magnetic nanoparticles by extraction is challenging, limiting its applications. Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) synthesize single-domain magnetite nanocrystals in their organelles, magnetosomes (BMPs), which are excellent biomaterials that can be biologically modified by genetic engineering. Therefore, this study successfully constructed in vivo biotinylated BMPs in the MTB Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense by fusing biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP) with membrane protein MamF of BMPs. The engineered strain (MSR−∆F−BF) grew well and synthesized small-sized (20 ± 4.5 nm) BMPs and were cultured in a 42 L fermenter; the yield (dry weight) of cells and BMPs reached 8.14 g/L and 134.44 mg/L, respectively, approximately three-fold more than previously reported engineered strains and BMPs. The genetically engineered BMPs (BMP−∆F−BF) were successfully linked with streptavidin or streptavidin-labelled horseradish peroxidase and displayed better storage stability compared with chemically constructed biotinylated BMPs. This study systematically demonstrated the biosynthesis of engineered magnetic nanoparticles, including its construction, characterization, and production and detection based on MTB. Our findings provide insights into biomanufacturing multiple functional magnetic nanomaterials.

Skin Toxicity of Selected Hair Cosmetic Ingredients: A Review Focusing on Hairdressers

The safety assessment of cosmetics considers the exposure of a ‘common consumer’, not the occupational exposure of hairdressers. This review aims to compile and appraise evidence regarding the skin toxicity of cysteamine hydrochloride (cysteamine HCl; CAS no. 156-57-0), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; CAS no. 9003-39-8), PVP copolymers (CAS no. 28211-18-9), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES; CAS no. 9004-82-4), cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA; CAS no. 68603-42-9), and cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB; CAS no. 61789-40-0). A total of 298 articles were identified, of which 70 were included. Meta-analysis revealed that hairdressers have a 1.7-fold increased risk of developing a contact allergy to CAPB compared to controls who are not hairdressers. Hairdressers might have a higher risk of acquiring quantum sensitization against cysteamine HCl compared to a consumer because of their job responsibilities. Regarding cocamide DEA, the irritant potential of this surfactant should not be overlooked. Original articles for PVP, PVP copolymers, and SLES are lacking. This systematic review indicates that the current standards do not effectively address the occupational risks associated with hairdressers’ usage of hair cosmetics. The considerable irritant and/or allergenic potential of substances used in hair cosmetics should prompt a reassessment of current risk assessment practices.

Association of hairdressing with cancer and reproductive diseases: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To review recent epidemiological studies investigating carcinogenic or reprotoxic effects among hairdressers who seem to be at greater risk for systemic adverse effects of chemicals released from hair care products than consumers.

METHODS

A systematic review according to the PRISMA-P guidelines was performed and included studies published from 2000 to August 2021, in which cancer or adverse reproductive effects were diagnosed in 1995 and onward. Data were synthetized qualitatively due to the small number of studies, heterogeneity of study designs, outcomes, and methods.

RESULTS

Four studies investigating cancer frequencies and six studies investigating effects on reproduction among hairdressers were identified. All were of good quality and with low risk of bias. Only one of the four studies found an increased risk of cancer reporting nine times higher odds for bladder cancer in hairdressers than the population-based controls. Three other studies investigating bladder and lung cancer, and non-Hodgins lymphoma did not find an increased risk in hairdressers. Regarding reprotoxic effects, numerous outcomes were investigated including menstrual disorders, congenital malformations, fetal loss, small-for-gestational age newborns, preterm delivery, and infertility. Increased risk was found for ventricular septal defect in newborns of fathers working as hairdressers. Furthermore, several indices of poor neonatal or maternal health were significantly associated with mothers working as hairdresser.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the scarce evidence that hairdressers are at increased risk of carcinogenic or reprotoxic effects related to their trade, such health risks cannot be ruled out. Therefore, preventive efforts to diminish occupational exposures to hairdressing chemicals should be targeted.