Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and the severity
of fragrance-related symptoms among hairdressers in Denmark compared with the
Danish general population. Further, to characterize former hairdressers who are
severely chemically intolerant to fragranced products in relation to sex, age
and health- and work-related reasons for leaving the hairdressing profession.
Methods: The study population consisted of all
hairdressers who graduated from the public vocational schools in Denmark during
1985 and 2007 (n = 7840) and a random sample of individuals from the Danish
general population (n = 6000). Both populations received a postal questionnaire
on symptoms from inhalation of fragranced products and the resultant behavioral
consequences. All former hairdressers also answered additional questions on
health- and work-related reasons for leaving the profession.
Results: No differences were found in the prevalence
(OR = 1.0, CI = 0.89–1.14) or the severity (OR = 1.1, CI = 0.80–1.51) of symptoms
from inhalation of fragranced products in hairdressers compared with the
general population. Among hairdressers, however, experience of
fragrance-related symptoms (OR = 1.2, CI = 1.01–1.31) and adjustments of social
(OR = 1.8, CI = 1.12–2.80) and occupational conditions (OR = 2.8, CI =
1.84–4.25) were reported significantly more often by former hairdressers than
current hairdressers.
Conclusions: The prevalence and the severity of
fragrance-related symptoms were similar in hairdressers and the general population.
Former hairdressers were more affected by fragranced products than current
hairdressers were. Although fragrance-related symptoms did not seem to be more
frequent among hairdressers, the hairdressing profession might pose a problem
for those who are chemically intolerant.
