Volatile organic compounds exposure and cardiovascular effects in hair salons.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between occupational exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and cardiovascular effects among hairdressing assistants has not been well characterized.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether or not exposure to VOCs was associated with autonomic dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress in hairdressing assistants.


METHODS
We recruited 62 young healthy assistants working in different hair salons in Taipei. Blood samples were taken from each assistant and heart rate variability (HRV) indices were recorded. VOCs were measured at each assistant's workplace. Mixed-effects models were used to examine the association between blood markers, HRV and VOCs.


RESULTS
Exposure to VOCs was associated with increases in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as well as decreases in HRV indices. The effect of VOCs exposure on the health parameters measured in this study was greatest during the days on which the subjects were working.


CONCLUSIONS
Occupational exposure to VOCs in hair salons can lead to increases in serum CRP and 8-OHdG levels and decreases in HRV indices. Time spent away from the workplace could modify the effects these exposures have on the health parameters described above in these assistants.
Ma
C-M
CM
Department of Cosmetic Application and Management, St. Mary's Medicine, Nursing and Management College, No. 100, Lane 265, Sec. 2, San-Sing Road, Yi-Lan County 266, Yi-Lan, Taiwan.
Lin
L-Y
LY
Chen
H-W
HW
Huang
L-C
LC
Li
J-F
JF
Chuang
K-J
KJ
D000080242:8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D001461:Barbering; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003849:Deoxyguanosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D015415:Biomarkers; D052638:Particulate Matter; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds; D000080242:8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D003849:Deoxyguanosine