Respiratory clinical symptoms and lung function of hairdressers in Meknes.

Occupational asthma among hairdressers has been recognised for some years a nd cases of work-related asthma due to hair bleaches containing persulphate s and hair dyes have been reported. Other substances are incriminated, part icularly henna, lycopod powder, sericine and chemical agents. We carried ou t an exposed-nonexposed retrospective cohort study, which has permitted us to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms and deterioration in ventilatory ind ices in 100 hairdressers. The evaluation includes a questionnaire (CECA. WH O), spirometry and allergic skin tests to commun allergens. Fifty-four perc ent of hairdressers have clinical symptomatology versus 23% of nonexposed p ersons. Rhinitis, asthma, chronic bronchitics and cough are more frequent i n the hairdressers than in the nonexposed, with respectively 24, 9, 7 and 1 3% versus 10, 4, 2 and 7%. Respiratory function is altered in 51% of the ex posed versus 13% of the nonexposed. Mild obstructive syndrome and small air ways deficit are the main disorders found. The atopy seems to be a potentia ting factor for asthma and rhinitis. The tobacco factor is at the origin of increased cough and chronic bronchitis. The inquiry in the workplace revea led poor working conditions. It is thus imperative to develop means of coll ective and individual protection and medical prevention measures. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.