2015 APHA Annual Meeting & Expo

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Recorded Annual Meeting Presentations (RAMP) are now available for purchase.
Only $90 for presenters, $140 for registered attendees and $200 for non-attendees.

Online Program

322372
Beauty and Its Beast: Unmasking the Impacts of Toxic Chemicals on Salon Workers


Monday, November 2, 2015

Alexandra Scranton, MS, Women's Voices for the Earth, Missoula, MT
Hair and nail salons can be hazardous workplaces given that many harmful chemicals can be found in salon products. Research shows that this toxic exposure leads to disproportionate harm to the health of salon workers compared to other professions, including increased risk of cancers, respiratory and dermatological conditions. I will present the finding of my recent report “Beauty and Its Beast” which reviews and discusses the existing epidemiological literature on salon worker health.    The creation of safer products, better laws and the use of best practices in salons can significantly reduce the health problems experienced by salon workers. Potential policy solutions to address the health impacts to salon workers will also be discussed.

Learning Areas:

Advocacy for health and health education
Environmental health sciences
Occupational health and safety

Learning Objectives:
Identify harmful chemicals commonly found in salon products. Compare epidemiological studies on hairdressers and nail salon workers showing evidence of disproportionate harm to health compared to other professions. List current recommendations and best practices for salon workers to protect their health. Discuss ongoing and potential policy solutions to mandate safer salon products and improved safety information for salon workers.

Keyword(s): Chemical Exposures & Prevention, Occupational Health and Safety

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have an M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana and a B.A. in Psychology from Amherst College. I have worked for over 12 years in the field of environmental health advocacy. I am the author of several reports on the impact of toxic chemicals in household products on health. My most recent report is a literature review of epidemiological research on the health of salon workers, on which this presentation is based.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3382.0: Vulnerable workers: obstacles and opportunities for OHS