Vinyl chloride propellant in hair spray and angiosarcoma of the liver among hairdressers and barbers: case reports.
Two cases of angiosarcoma of the liver (ASL) are, to the best of our knowledge, the first literature reports of such cases identified among hairdressers and barbers who used hair sprays containing vinyl chloride (VC) as a propellant. The cases were exposed to VC aerosols between 1966 and 1973, for 4-5 year periods. Modeling indicates estimated peak levels of VC exposure ranging from 129 ppm to 1234 ppm, and average exposure ranging from 70 ppm to 1037 ppm, based upon assumptions of use and number of air exchanges per hour. As ASL is a sentinel cancer for exposure to VC, identification of these cases raises concern about the contribution of VC to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a much more common type of liver cancer, as well as other VC-related cancers among hairdressers and barbers. Had manufacturers acted in a responsible manner, VC never would have been introduced as a propellant into consumer products such as hair sprays, pesticides, and paints.
Infante
Peter F
PF
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Health Services, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Petty
Stephen E
SE
Groth
David H
DH
Markowitz
Gerald
G
Rosner
David
D
D000335:Aerosol Propellants / Q000506:poisoning*; D000368:Aged; D001505:Beauty Culture; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000506:poisoning*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006394:Hemangiosarcoma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D014752:Vinyl Chloride / Q000506:poisoning*
D000335:Aerosol Propellants; D003358:Cosmetics; D014752:Vinyl Chloride