The Feasibility of Identifying and Quantifying Worker Exposures to Volatile Organic Chemicals in Beauty Salons and Auto Shops in the Southwestern USA

摘要

Workers in beauty salons and auto repair shops are regularly exposed to volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which have well-documented, adverse health effects. This occupational risk is increased in small businesses due to their limited access to occupational health resources, resulting from a complex interaction of physical, social, and economic factors. Through a community-university partnership, this pilot study examined the feasibility of identifying and quantifying VOCs exposures to predominantly Spanish-speaking workers in beauty salons and auto repair shops in Tucson, AZ. Businesses were recruited door-to-door by trusted community health workers (CHWs). Using a bilingual (Spanish-English), web-based form to minimize shop inconvenience, CHWs documented workplace practices, chemical usage, and controls. CHWs photographed products, which were later referenced by university personnel to build chemical inventories. To quantify personal total VOC exposures, workers wore a VOC monitor in a sling-pack or on a belt custom-fitted for comfort during their shift (total of 4 worker-shifts/business). On a paper form, university personnel recorded worker activities and relevant exposure factors. CHWs visited 16 beauty salons and 23 auto shops, enrolling 10 of each. Participating businesses had 2-3 persons working at a time, often necessitating 2 visits per business. All beauty salons and 9/10 auto shops completed the study. Workers from both shop types changed from sling-pack to belt (or vice versa) more than once per shift, with 3 beauty salon workers hanging the monitor next to them. This pilot study offered valuable lessons for future work. Tracking participation activity through observation was problematic, necessitating asking the participant directly, when appropriate. Entering paper activity logs into an electronic database produced substantial data entry issues, and auto shop recruitment proved difficult. Nonetheless, identifying and quantifying worker VOC exposures is feasible through a community-university partnership, and this pilot study will inform a randomized trial aimed at reducing VOC exposure.