Simulated consumer exposure to dimethyl ether and propane/butane in hairsprays

Synopsis The potential human exposures from use of dimethyl ether (DME) and 'liquefied petroleum gas'(LPG) arising from use in hairsprays have been assessed. DME and LPG concentrations were measured in the 'breathing zone' of an experimental manikin and an 'accompanying child' designed to simulate human use of hairsprays in a domestic situation and in the breathing zone of a 'stylist' and 'customer' under salon conditions. Results were expressed as the 10 min time weighted average in the air (TWA10) and as the peak concentration in the breathing zone of the 'user'. Following a 10s use of hairspray containing 50% DME or 26% LPG, TWA10 values for an adult user in a closed room (volume 21 m(3)) were on average 114 ppm and 73 ppm respectively. The child TWA10 values were 89 ppm (DME) and 80 ppm (LPG). Leaving the door open during spraying did not significantly alter these values. The peak concentrations measured in the user breathing zone were 1577 ppm of DME and 671 ppm of LPG. Simulated salon use of a hairspray gave a calculated value of 55 ppm DME and 88 ppm LPG for the stylist over an 8 h working period.