« Previous Abstract"Dual regulation of the yeast CDC28-p40 protein kinase complex: cell cycle, pheromone, and nutrient limitation effects"    Next AbstractThe impact of indoor air quality and contaminants on respiratory health of older people living in long-term care residences in Porto »

J Toxicol Environ Health A

Title:		Chemical exposure and occupational symptoms among Portuguese hairdressers
Author(s):		Mendes A; Madureira J; Neves P; Carvalhais C; Laffon B; Teixeira JP;
Address:		"Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal"
Journal Title:		J Toxicol Environ Health A
Year:		2011
Volume:		74
Issue:		15-16
Page Number:		993 - 1000
DOI:		10.1080/15287394.2011.582027
ISSN/ISBN:		1528-7394 (Print) 0098-4108 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Hairdressing is predominantly a female activity, in which several chemicals are handled, some of which are known to be allergenic and potentially carcinogenic. Several epidemiological studies showed an association between occupational exposure to chemicals in hairdressing salons and skin and respiratory-tract conditions. The aim of this study were to characterize the occupational exposure to total volatile organic compounds (VOC) and ammonia (NH(3)) in 50 Portuguese hairdressers' salons and to analyze the prevalence of respiratory and skin symptoms in 134 hairdressing professionals. Data indicated that internal sources of total VOC are mainly due to indoor sources, with average concentrations (1.4 mg/m(3)) above the Portuguese reference levels (0.6 mg/m(3)). Of the hairdressers' salons studied, 4% had a mean NH(3) concentration higher than Portuguese (20 ppm) and American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) (25 ppm) reference levels. Hand dermatitis was the occupational symptom most reported by hairdressers (50%), followed by eye irritation (43%). The results of this study suggest that hairdressers' occupational activities are linked with higher risk of developing hand and wrist/arm dermatitis and symptoms in the upper respiratory tract. The proper use of disposable gloves, hands, wrists, and arms skin monitoring, and the frequent use of moisturizers in the workplace are effective measures to prevent the occurrence of dermatitis in these professionals. Displacement ventilation and/or local exhaust with adequate air exchange rate are recommended particularly in technical areas where hairdressing chemicals are mixed"
Keywords:		Adolescent Adult Ammonia/*adverse effects Environmental Monitoring Epidemiological Monitoring Female Humans Male Middle Aged Occupational Exposure/*adverse effects Portugal/epidemiology Respiratory Tract Diseases/*chemically induced/epidemiology Skin Dise;
Notes:		"MedlineMendes, Ana Madureira, Joana Neves, Paula Carvalhais, Carlos Laffon, Blanca Teixeira, Joao P eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2011/06/29 J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2011; 74(15-16):993-1000. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2011.582027"