January 15, 2025
A brand new research reveals salons serving predominantly Black and Latina shoppers could expose staff to elevated ranges of dangerous airborne chemical compounds.
A brand new research reveals salons serving predominantly Black and Latina shoppers could expose staff to elevated ranges of dangerous airborne chemical compounds.
Johns Hopkins researchers highlighted findings from their research within the Journal of Environmental Publicity Evaluation on Jan. 14. The research marks the primary report on indoor air concentrations of varied risky natural compounds (VOCs) in U.S. hair salons catering to Black and Latina girls.
The research expands on earlier Johns Hopkins analysis, which revealed that Black and Hispanic hairdressers had larger ranges of chemical compounds from hair relaxers, dyes, and different salon merchandise of their our bodies in comparison with workplace staff. Nevertheless, the earlier analysis didn’t measure the air concentrations of those chemical compounds.
“On the root of the issue are the merchandise used on shoppers’ hair,” stated Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá, Ph.D., a senior research creator and affiliate professor within the Division of Environmental Well being and Engineering.
“Producers of haircare merchandise have to concentrate on growing safer choices that don’t put hairstylists or shoppers in hurt’s method.”
In animal research, a number of risky natural compounds (VOCs) present in merchandise reminiscent of chemical relaxers, straighteners, and smoothing therapies have been related to neurodevelopmental and reproductive results. These VOCs doubtlessly endanger each girls and their unborn youngsters. Feminine hairstylists are extra susceptible to those dangerous chemical compounds as many are of reproductive age and work throughout essential intervals earlier than and through being pregnant.
Along with the neurodevelopmental and reproductive results the VOCs have, these compounds have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular points, pores and skin irritation, and most cancers. Black and Latina girls comprise roughly 30% of the predominantly feminine, low-wage workforce of hairstylists, in keeping with Quirós-Alcalá.
Many ladies on this area face elevated challenges, together with publicity to chemical and non-chemical stressors, together with restricted entry to healthcare and insurance coverage. These elements considerably heighten their well being dangers and contribute to environmental well being disparities inside this demographic.
Researchers suggest bettering air flow in salons as a sensible answer, given the restricted availability of safer hair product options.
“Whereas limiting product use might assist, it might not at all times be sensible as a result of consumer calls for and an absence of safer options,” Quirós-Alcalá stated. “To scale back VOC exposures in hair salons, it’s also essential to prioritize satisfactory air flow.”
Producers advise salons to make use of followers, air purifiers, masks, and gloves throughout chemical-intensive providers to reduce publicity. Moreover, opening doorways and home windows when doable may also help improve indoor air high quality.
“These easy measures have the potential to considerably lower exposures to VOCs and different chemical compounds in salon environments,” she stated.
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