%0 Journal Article
%T Evaluation of Formaldehyde as a Potential Cause of Olfactory Dysfunction in Hairdressers
%A Linda Bitencourt Cabral
%A Mariana Andrade Miyamoto
%A Nat¨¢lia Medeiros Dias Lopes
%A Ellen Cristine Duarte Garcia
%A Tiago Severo Peixe
%A Marco Aur¨¦lio Fornazieri
%J Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine
%P 143-149
%@ 2333-357X
%D 2023
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/odem.2023.113010
%X Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the olfactory function between hairdressers exposed to formaldehyde and unexposed controls, as exposure to toxic agents is a potential cause of olfactory disorders in humans. Hairdressing professionals frequently encounter formaldehyde, a component found in hair products that are known to have various toxic effects on the human body, including alterations in the sense of smell. Methods: A total of 32 hairdressing volunteers exposed to formaldehyde and 32 non-exposed volunteers matched for age, sex, education and smoking status underwent the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT®). Results: The findings demonstrated a decrease in UPSIT® olfactory test scores and a higher degree of olfactory loss among hairdressers exposed to formaldehyde (mean UPSIT® scores: 30.6 vs 35.1, p < 0.01) compared to the unexposed controls. Conclusion: Occupational exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde is associated with diminished olfactory function. Education approach and promotion of personal protective equipment usage should be encouraged.
%K Formaldehyde
%K Olfaction Disorders
%K Occupational Medicine
%K Toxicology
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=127088