At the hair or beauty salon
This information is for people that work in beauty salons, such as hairdressers, beauticians, nail artists and cleaners. It gives information on things in the workplace that could damage the lungs and advice on how to protect them.
What are the hazards?
These are some of the hazards you may come into contact with at work.
-
Hair products
Hairsprays and setting lotions often include volatile organic chemicals (e.g. toluene, ethanol, isopropanol, ether, diaminotoluene, phenylenediamine).
Dyes, bleaches and perming mixes might contain ammonia, ammonium persulfates, hydrogen peroxide, and organic pigments.
-
Nail products
Liquids and powders used to make artificial nails, as well as the dust filings created during this type of work can be harmful to the lungs.
-
Cleaning products
Including:
- Benzalkonium chloride (quaternary ammonium compound) – found in disinfectants and cleaners for floors and hard surfaces
- Chlorine-based agents (sodium hypochlorite) – the main ingredient in bleach
- Some scents within cleaning products e.g. limonene, which gives some products a citrus smell
- Isothiazolinones – used in some washing up liquids and laundry washing liquids
Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung conditions like COPD and lung cancer
If you smoke, you will be at a much higher risk of developing a lung condition.