%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&#174;). Results: The findings demonstrated a decrease in UPSIT&#174; olfactory test scores and a higher degree of olfactory loss among hairdressers exposed to formaldehyde (mean UPSIT&#174; 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