Chemical exposure in hairdresser salons: effect of local exhaust ventilation.

Although several studies demonstrate adverse health effects among hairdressers that may be related to their working environment, relatively few studies have described the chemical exposure levels in hairdresser salons. This paper shows the exposure level of isopropanol, ethanol, toluene, phenylendiamines, diaminotoluene and ammonia in six hairdresser salons, and the effect of local exhaust ventilation on these exposure levels. Stationary measurements were performed at the mixing location in the hairdresser salons. At this location isopropanol was found to be in the range from 0.7-15 mg/m3, ethanol in the range from 4-36 mg/m3 and toluene from 0.04-0.11 mg/m3. The range of ammonia in the same area was from 0.1-1.2 mg/m3. Personal monitoring of the hairdresser showed an exposure level of ammonia in a range from 0.3-10 mg/m3. Phenylendiamines and diaminotoluene were not detected. The exposure level was significantly lower in the salons with local exhaust ventilation than in the salons with no ventilation.