Hairdressers and cosmetologists constitute a major occupational group of predominantly female workers, many of whom are of childbearing age. Hairdressers use continuously a wide range of products, such as shampoos, hair dyes, perm solutions, detergents, perfumes, and hair sprays. Cosmetologists perform manicures, pedicures, facials, and other beauty treatments. In some countries (e.g., USA), cosmetologists can also be hairdressers. In these two jobs, all the used products can contain in large part the same chemical substances. For certain chemical substances, reproductive toxicity has been reported in animal studies, but with insufficient evidence in humans (organic solvents, aromatic amines, formaldehyde, phthalates, etc.). Both dermal absorption and inhalation are relevant exposure routes for hairdressers and cosmetologists. It is also noteworthy that these occupations involve physical exertion, long periods of standing and walking in the workplace, awkward postures, and psychosocial factors that can potentially interfere with reproduction.
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