Prevalence of diffuse parenchymal lung disease patterns on chest x-ray and reported respiratory symptoms among salon hairdressers in the National Capital Region: an analytical crosssectional study

Jose Ronilo  G. Juangco,; Kristine Joy  V. De Leon,

Prevalence of diffuse parenchymal lung disease patterns on chest x-ray and reported respiratory symptoms among salon hairdressers in the National Capital Region: an analytical crosssectional study

Kristine Joy V De Leon | Jose Ronilo G. Juangco

Abstract:

Introduction Exposure to chemical agents in salon products, such as ammonia and formaldehyde, poses significant respiratory health risks for hairdressers. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease Patterns (DPLD) observed in chest X-rays of hairdressers in the National Capital Region and to document their reported respiratory symptoms. Methods An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 hairdressers who underwent plain chest X-ray examinations to identify any of the 12 recognized DPLD patterns. Participants also accomplished a self-administered questionnaire detailing their demographic information, working conditions, health histories and current respiratory symptoms. Results Thirty nine percent of participants showed DPLD patterns on chest X-rays, primarily fine reticular opacities (69.23%) and coarse reticular opacities (25.64%). Positive associations (RR>1) were linked to over five years of work, lack of PPE, daily exposure to hair iron steam, respiratory symptoms, and salon vapor exposure of exceeding five hours daily. Symptoms reported included shortness of breath (27%) and throat irritation (15%). Logistic regression confirmed a significant link between DPLD and positive respiratory symptoms. Conclusion This study highlights the risk of structural lung abnormalities and respiratory symptoms among hairdressers, emphasizing the need for improved workplace safety, consistent PPE use and routine medical screenings to reduce occupational health risks.

References:

Kifjak D, Leitner J, Ambros R, Heidinger BH, Milos R-I, Beer L, et al. Chest radiography findings in diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. Der Radiologe 2022 Jan 7;62(2):130–9. doi:10.1007/s00117-021-00955-8
Antoine MH, Mlika M. Interstitial Lung Disease. 2023 Jul 31. In: StatPearls [Internet] Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–.
Dzamatira D. Patterns of lung parenchymal disease on chest radiographs - a sport-themed pictorial. Radiopaedia. org. 2022 Jul 16; doi:10.53347/rid-96777
Kim I, Lee H, Kang BH, Lee DH, Nam YH, Roh MS, et al. Chronic obstructive lung disease after ammonia inhalation burns: A report of two cases. Kosin Med J 2022 Dec 31;37(4):354–60. doi:10.7180/kmj.22.004
Maneli MH, Smith P, Khumalo NP. Elevated formaldehyde concentration in “Brazilian keratin type” hair-straightening products: a cross-sectional study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2014 Feb;70(2):276-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2013.10.023. Epub 2013 Dec 9.
Tesfaye S, Hamba N, Gerbi A, Negeri Z. Occupational formaldehyde exposure linked to increased systemic health impairments and counteracting beneficial effects of selected antioxidants. Alexandria J Med 2021 Jan 1;57(1):157–67. doi:10.1080/20905068.2021.1926172
Moscato G, Pignatti P, Yacoub M-R, Romano C, Spezia S, Perfetti L. Occupational asthma and occupational rhinitis in hairdressers. Chest 2005 Nov;128(5):3590–8. doi:10.1378/chest.128.5.3590
Hansell DM, Bankier AA, MacMahon H, McLoud TC, Müller NL, Remy J. Fleischner Society: Glossary of terms for thoracic imaging. Radiology 2008 Mar;246(3):697–722. doi:10.1148/radiol.2462070712
Oikonomou A, Prassopoulos P. Mimics in chest disease: Interstitial opacities. Insights into Imaging 2012 Dec 18;4(1):9–27. doi:10.1007/s13244-012-0207-7
Blanc PD, Annesi-Maesano I, Balmes JR, Cummings KJ, Fishwick D, Miedinger D, et al. The occupational burden of nonmalignant respiratory diseases. An official american thoracic society and european respiratory society statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 199:1312–34. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201904-0717ST
Kathy B. Baumgartner, Jonathan M. Samet, David B. Coultas, Christine A. Stidley, William C. Hunt, Thomas V. Colby, James A. Waldron, Collaborating Centers. Occupational and Environmental Risk Factors for Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A multicenter case-control study. Am J Epidemiol 2000; 152(4): 15 August 2000, Pages 307–15, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/152.4.307
Weinberger SE, Cockrill BA, Mandel J. Principles of pulmonary medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024.
Heibati B, Jaakkola MS, Lajunen TK, Ducatman A, Bamshad Z, Eslamizad S, et al. Occupational exposures and respiratory symptoms and lung function among hairdressers in Iran: A cross-sectional study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021 Jan 18;94(5):877–87. doi:10.1007/s00420-020-01645-z