Abstract:
Background: In Beauty Salon, activities and use of diverse cosmetics are contributing factor for
generation of air pollutants that compromise quality of indoor air. Studying about sources,
characteristics, and types of indoor air pollutant has great public health importance. In Ethiopia,
there was limited study addressing the determination of indoor air pollutants and their associated
health effects among workers of the beauty salons.
Objectives: To assess indoor air pollutant concentrations and self-reported health problems
among workers in beauty salons of Jimma town
Methods: This is community based cross-sectional study conducted in 87 beauty salons from
May 13 to 24 /2019. The concentrations of coarse particulate matter (PM10-2.5), total volatile
organic compounds (TVOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), room temperature
(RT) and relative humidity (RT) was measured for a short time. Survey questionnaire was used
to assess salon characteristics, personal care products, and reported health problem among
workers. Correlation, one sample t-test and multiple linear regressions were performed for
prediction of pollutants level.
Result: The mean concentration of PM10-2.5, TVOCs, NO2, CO2, RT and RH was found to be
(0.356mg/m3
,1190.02mg/m3
,0.0974mg/m3
,1333.9mg/m3
,26.22°c and 55.33%) respectively. Hair
spray, nail care products and RT significantly predicted TVOCs concentration. Distance and NO2
correlated negatively at (rho=-0.38, p<0.05). Makeup products, RT, and RH significantly
predicted PM10-2.5. Customers and ventilation status were significantly predicted CO2
concentration level. It was noticed that beauty salon activities were reported being associated
with respiratory and eye problems, fatigue, back and leg pain.
Conclusion and recommendation: Indoor air pollutants in beauty salons were found above
comfort level of human being as suggested by ASHRAE limit. Availing mechanical and natural
ventilation and using PPE is highly recommended to reduce exposure of pollutants.
