Lung Function Tests in Hairdressers of Gangtok: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Hairdressers undergo extensive and prolonged exposure to a variety of chemical substances present in the air in their salons. Although in low concentrations, the various products used for hair care are harmful as most of these products generate chemical aerosols during different procedures. These aerosols which have irritant or sensitizing effects on respiratory mucosa have been found to enter into the airways. AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the impairment of lung function in hairdressers in Gangtok. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional, comparative study conducted on 50 hairdressers and 50 age- and sex-matched non-hairdresser comparison group. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling. Permission from Institutional Ethical Committee was obtained before beginning the study. A standard questionnaire was used to record the respiratory symptoms. The pulmonary function parameters of the subjects were measured using portable spirometer HELIOS 720. RESULTS: All the parameters were decreased in hairdressers and almost all the differences were statistically significant. FEV1 (P = 0.023) and FEV1/FVC ratio (P < 0.05) were reduced significantly. FEF25–75% and PEFR were also significantly reduced (P < 0.05 in both parameters). FVC was also reduced in hairdressers, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.342). CONCLUSION: Hairdressers undergo exposure to different chemicals in their workplace and carry the risk of decreased pulmonary function.