Occupational exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde: A cross-sectional study

Objective: The use of formo in brazilian beauty salons is a public health problem. The Brazilian population currently uses the most aesthetic resources to improve their appearance. One of the most used areas are the so-called "beauty salons". These spaces have as main aesthetic treatment the hair care, where mainly women but also men use chemicals to make them more beautiful and desired. Among the chemical products used is the formol that has been causing eczema in hairdressers as well as in customers. The objective of this study was to investigate the occupational exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde. The research was conducted in salons through visits and completion of specific forms, duly prepared to respond to research. It has actually been found that hairdressers are constantly exposed to chemicals, mainly to the formalin which has triggered the appearance of the following symptoms cough, rhinitis, skin eczemas among other symptoms. There was a need for educational campaigns to reduce occupational exposure to formaldehyde, as well as investment to increase inspection by the formal use of formaldehyde in salons.