Self-care for a lot of us entails pampering sessions at the spa or salon. These spaces bring us joy and good memories. And yet, these same spaces can bring so much danger to the salon workers.
Atmospheric Pollution Research shows that chemicals and toxic ingredients in salon products can be the cause of multiple health concerns. One of them is Cancer.
Let’s take a look at these chemicals, how salon workers are impacted by them, and more.
Chemicals and Harmful Ingredients in Salons
There are more than a few hundred chemicals and harmful ingredients that we can spot across salons. Out of these, some of the most harmful and concerning chemicals are formaldehyde, phthalates, toluene benzene, and ammonia.
Treatments like hair-smoothening contain formaldehyde. This chemical has been known to cause nose and throat cancers, and also respiratory issues. Nail paints and hair sprays contain phthalates. This hair straightener lawsuit mentions that endocrine disruptors such as formaldehyde and phthalates, can affect hormones in the body. Eventually, they can become the cause of reproductive issues and breast cancer.
Volatile Organic Compounds like toluene and benzene can be found in nail paint removers or hair dyes. Illnesses like Leukemia and some other blood cancers can be traced back to have originated due to these chemicals.
Ammonia is also well-known for its ill effects. This chemical can cause irritation in the eyes, skin, and lungs and even leave a lasting carcinogenic impact.
The Impact on Salon Workers’ Health
With so many procedures and treatments going around, there are multiple ways a salon worker can be exposed to one of the many toxic chemicals. There are mainly two ways of getting exposed- inhalation and skin contact.
WVE states that fumes from processes like hair dyeing, hair treatments, and nail procedures can be easily inhaled. Additionally, salons aren’t always well-ventilated and keep the fumes inside.
Handling and application of the products gives the chemicals an open gate to get into the physiological system of workers. Repeated contact with the ingredients, absorption through fingers and nails and lack of protection add to the ill effects.
Salon Workers and Cancer Risks
It has been shown time and again that exposure to harmful chemicals found in salons leads to an increased risk of cancer.
According to a study, specific jobs are at a higher risk of cancer. It is mentioned that those having worked as hairdressers, beauticians, and other related roles are 3 times more likely to suffer from Cancer.
The American Cancer Society says that people exposed to products like hair dyes at work have an increased risk of bladder cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has called workplaces of hairdressers and other related roles “probably carcinogenic to humans”.
Besides the risk of cancer, there are other factors to worry about. More than 60% of salon workers suffer from skin conditions like dermatitis or develop asthma. They may deliver low birth weight babies or suffer miscarriages. Some surveys showed that they may be at a higher risk of depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and motor neuron diseases.
Safeguarding the Health of Salon Workers
Small steps like improving ventilation in salons can make a huge difference. Installation of air purifying systems is another good step. Providing them with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and eye protection is a must.
Offering non-toxic, safer products and encouraging customers to buy them is important. Products free of harmful chemicals aren’t just good for the workers but also the clients.
Salon workers need to be educated and given safety training. These training sessions should empower them to take care of themselves and their clients in the best possible way. This includes correct procedures, responsibilities, and rights as a worker.
Regular visits to health professionals, checkups, and regular screening for chronic conditions like cancer are necessary and must be arranged.
Other than professional skills, salon workers and customers should also be aware of their legal rights. TorHoerman Law mentions that legal actions are taken against brand manufacturing hair products that cause harm or the ones that do not warn users of their potential risks.
The glam industry will keep growing and products will overflow as usual. However, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that salons become safer workspaces for the workers. From skin irritation to cancers, the negative impact of chemicals used in salons is very real.
With better workspaces, education and training, efficient practices, and conscious customers, the risks can be mitigated.