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Occupational Asthma Due to Hair Dyes Containing Para-Amino Compounds
Virginie Doyen1, Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa2, Marta Wiszniewska2
1Department of Chest Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire UCL Namur, Catholic University of Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|November 19, 2025
Summary
Oxidative hair dyes containing para-amino compounds (PACs) are a significant cause of occupational asthma (OA) in hairdressers. Further research is needed to understand the immunological mechanisms behind this work-related asthma.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Persulfate salts in hair bleaches are known causes of occupational asthma (OA) in hairdressers.
- Limited data exists on OA caused by other low-molecular-weight chemicals in hair products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of occupational asthma (OA) caused by oxidative hair dyes containing para-amino compounds (PACs).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective multicenter study involving 98 hairdressers with OA.
- Positive specific inhalation challenge (SIC) with hair products was used for diagnosis.
- Nine hairdressers (9%) showed a positive SIC response to hair dyes containing PACs.
Main Results:
- Eight hairdressers experienced bronchial reactions during "work-simulation" SICs with hair dyes.
- Increased nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness was observed in 43% of subjects.
- No significant increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide or sputum eosinophils was noted.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative hair dyes containing PACs may substantially contribute to occupational asthma (OA) among hairdressers.
- Consideration of PACs is crucial when evaluating hairdressers with work-related asthma.
- Further investigation into inflammatory and immunological mechanisms is required.
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