TITLE:
Evaluation of Formaldehyde as a Potential Cause of Olfactory Dysfunction in Hairdressers
AUTHORS:
Linda Bitencourt Cabral, Mariana Andrade Miyamoto, Natália Medeiros Dias Lopes, Ellen Cristine Duarte Garcia, Tiago Severo Peixe, Marco Aurélio Fornazieri
KEYWORDS:
Formaldehyde, Olfaction Disorders, Occupational Medicine, Toxicology
JOURNAL NAME:
Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine,
Vol.11 No.3,
August
21,
2023
ABSTRACT: Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the olfactory function between hairdressers exposed to formaldehyde and unexposed controls, as exposure to toxic agents is a potential cause of olfactory disorders in humans. Hairdressing professionals frequently encounter formaldehyde, a component found in hair products that are known to have various toxic effects on the human body, including alterations in the sense of smell. Methods: A total of 32 hairdressing volunteers exposed to formaldehyde and 32 non-exposed volunteers matched for age, sex, education and smoking status underwent the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT®). Results: The findings demonstrated a decrease in UPSIT® olfactory test scores and a higher degree of olfactory loss among hairdressers exposed to formaldehyde (mean UPSIT® scores: 30.6 vs 35.1, p Conclusion: Occupational exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde is associated with diminished olfactory function. Education approach and promotion of personal protective equipment usage should be encouraged.