Occupational health screening of salon workers in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstract only Our objective was to screen the respiratory and general health of a group of salon workers who are at risk due to exposure to cosmetics containing a variety of chemicals A descriptive cross sectional study was done among a randomly selected sample of salon workers in the Kandy city Demographic data, duration of exposure, use of protective gear, present and past illnesses, allergies and smoking habits and ventilation were documented with an interviewer administered questionnaire. Examination, Spirometry using Spirolab 3, and CXR were performed in all. 78 salon workers(53females) with mean age 32.6(range 19-63) were studied. Respiratory symptoms were present in 36(46%) of the subjects; shortness of breath 27(34.6%), cough 19(24.30%), wheezing 07(8.9%), rhinitis09(11.5%).All but onehad developed symptoms after employment. 17(21.7%)had skin allergies, of which 7(8.9%) were allergic specifically to the chemical used at work. Spirometry was normal in 60(76.9%) and restrictive in 18(23%). CXR was abnormal in 32(41%) with nodular opacities9, prominent pulmonary arteries 3, air trapping 3, bronchiectasis 2, fibrosis 2and pleural thickening 1.Otherco-morbidity were Musculo-skeletal 5, Hypertension 10, Dermatological1, Subfertility 3andNon specific headache 9.12(58%) were active smokers (mean pack years 2.65) and 58.3% of them had respiratory symptoms. Protective gear was used irregularly by 57(73%) of the workers including mask50(64%), apron 46(58.9%)and gloves 22(28%).Ventilation was inadequate in 72% The majority of subjects had developed respiratory symptoms after employment and further study is needed to find the association. Education and regulation regarding chemical use and protective measures is advocated