Efeitos adversos da exposição ao formaldeído em cabeleireiros / Adverse effects of the exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde

AUTOR(ES)
FONTE

IBICT - Instituto Brasileiro de Informação em Ciência e Tecnologia

DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2012

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Hairdressers are exposed to a large number of chemicals in the workplace. One of these products is formaldehyde, which causes respiratory irritation, immediate immunological sensitivity, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde and to study the short and long term exposure on symptoms and lung function. METHODS: We studied 41 hairdressers before, immediately after exposure to formaldehyde in the procedure of hair straightening and after 6 months. Data on symptoms were collected and spirometry was performed in the workplace. Concentrations of formaldehyde in the workplace and formic acid in the urine were determined. RESULTS: The mean age was 39 ± 11 years, 70.7% were women and 70.7% were nonsmokers. The procedures lasted between 30 and 90 minutes, 81% were performed with protective equipment. The formaldehyde concentration in the working environment ranged from 0.1 ppm to 5.0 ppm (md=0.4 ppm). The concentration of formic acid in the urine increased after exposure (1.31 ± 0.91 mg/L versus 1.96 ± 0.90 mg/L, p<0.001). There was an association between the formaldehyde concentration in workplace and the levels of formic acid in urine after exposure (rs=0.33, p=0.03). Symptoms were present in 29% of the hairdressers before and in 71% and after exposure to formaldehyde. Lacrimation, nasal and eye irritation, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, sneezing, dyspnea and headache increased after exposure (p<0.05). There was no change in spirometric values after exposure (p>0.05). During followup the hairdressers used products containing formaldehyde 48 times (3-192) with an estimated exposure time of 45 hours (4.5-225). After 6 months of the first assessment there was a further increase in frequency and intensity of most symptoms. More than half of the sample reported lesions of the nasal mucosa. An association between length of exposure to formaldehyde in the follow-up and increased intensity of nasal irritation was observed (rs=0.309, p=0.050). There was no change in spirometry after 6 months (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short and long term occupational exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde was associated with adverse health effects, with no impact on lung function. The exclusion of the substance of the work environment can improve worker health.

ASSUNTO(S)

doenças profissionais formaldehyde exposição ocupacional formaldeído adverse health effects hairdressers occupational exposure

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