Hair bleaches : beware of respiratory illnesses

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Extract from the article: Hairdressers and consumers handling hair bleaches containing ammonium, potassium and sodium persulfates are exposing themselves to risks of respiratory and skin pathologies. Ammonium, potassium and sodium persulfates, used for their oxidizing propert

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Hairdressers and consumers handling hair bleaches containing ammonium, potassium and sodium persulfates are exposing themselves to risks of respiratory and skin pathologies. Ammonium, potassium and sodium persulfates, used for their oxidizing properties, are present in certain hair bleaching products, presenting a risk to human health. Classified as respiratory and skin sensitizers, they represent the 2nd leading cause of occupational asthma linked to chemical exposure, after quaternary ammoniums.

Occupational pathologies linked to persulfates include asthma, allergic dermatitis, rhinitis, urticaria and other respiratory diseases, most of which affect hairdressers, young workers and apprentices. These pathologies can lead to handicaps in daily life, with serious consequences for these professionals. But consumers are not left out, since they can also be exposed to these substances when using bleaching products at home or as customers of hairdressing salons.

Jean ELI