Characterization of select salon chemical exposures among Black and Latina U.S. hairdressers serving women of color

Abstract

Hairdressers are continually exposed to chemicals, including many endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), yet few studies have assessed these exposures among U.S. hairdressers despite the potential health risks. We quantified concentrations of five biomarkers - four EDC exposure biomarkers [2-naphthol, methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben, and propylparaben] and capsaicin - in post-shift urine samples from 23 female hairdressers of color (Black/Latina) serving a primarily ethnic clientele in the Maryland/Washington DC metropolitan area. Results from hairdressers were compared to those from 17 female office workers of similar race/ethnicity and to a representative sample of 431 similarly aged women in the U.S. general population. We also assessed exposure determinants for highly detected biomarkers among hairdressers. Overall, hairdressers had higher biomarker concentrations than office workers and women in the U.S. general population. Geometric mean (GM) concentrations of 2-naphthol and MeP were 2-3 times higher in hairdressers than in office workers (2-naphthol:17.4 vs. 7.59 ng/mL; MeP: 150 vs. 48.9 ng/mL; both P < 0.01), and 1.5-2.5 times higher than in U.S. women (2-naphthol: 15.5 vs. 6.31 ng/mL; MeP: 134 vs. 87.0 ng/mL). Hairdressers serving predominantly Black clientele had higher biomarker concentrations than those serving a predominantly Latinx clientele. Select salon services and products (e.g., chemical straightening/relaxing, semipermanent hair color, hair extensions, hairspray) were associated with higher 2-naphthol and MeP concentrations, while hair bleach use and braiding were associated with lower concentrations. Mask use during chemical-intensive services was associated with reduced MeP concentrations (GM: 117 vs. 159 ng/mL). Larger studies are needed to comprehensively assess exposures and reduce health risks for this workforce.

Keywords

Personal care products / hairdressers / endocrine disruptors / parabens / Black / Latinx

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