Younger Cosmetology Workers and Environmental and Occupational Asthma Triggers at Training Sites and in Salons

Abstract

Secondary school students in career, technical, and vocational education (CTE) programs include minors aged ≤17 years. These students enter the workforce starting at age 18 as young adults, and specifically in cosmetology after completing the State of New Jersey mandated 2-part licensing exam (theory and practical). The New Jersey Safe Schools Task Force 2010-2012 focused on potential safety and health (S&H) risks encountered by minors training in cosmetology. We conducted a stakeholder-driven participatory process with relevant state and federal agencies, private sector partners, teachers, administrators, and students from 1-in-3 of 21 county CTE school districts. We developed and disseminated Web pages ( http://www.njsafeschools.org/Cosmetology.htm ) with science-based information, materials such as “Right to Know” brochures in multiple languages (English, Spanish), and student-designed educational posters. Resources highlight S&H issues such as chemical exposures, including known environmental and occupational asthma triggers and respiratory irritants, for example, formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds. Asthma education professionals working in clinical management of chronic respiratory diseases can increase self-awareness of S&H in cosmetology. They can then help inform younger patients/workers with asthma, teachers, older employees, and managers/owners of hair, nail, and skin care salons of potential asthma triggers. The goal is to minimize exposures (S&H risks) among these professionals and their clients (general public).