Determination of Indoor Air Pollutants and Self-Reported Health Problems among Workers working in Beauty Salons of Jimma town, Oromia, Ethiopia

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.