Sowetan: What are some practical steps that beauty professionals and their clients can take to reduce their exposure to harmful chemical?
Fourie: Beauty professionals should wear appropriate PPE, such as masks, when mixing chemicals (especially powdered chemicals); if doing nails, staff should wear nitrile (non-latex) gloves. The products used must be of good quality and contain the least toxic constituents.
Sowetan: Are there specific products or ingredients that should be avoided altogether?
Fourie: Yes, but this depends on the individual. Certain products or ingredients should be completely avoided by people who are allergic or sensitive to them. For example, PPD (p-phenylenediamine), commonly found in permanent hair dyes (and some tattoos), is a known allergen.
Individuals with a PPD allergy should avoid it entirely, though PPD-free alternative dyes are available. Similarly, methacrylate, found in some nail products, can cause allergic reactions, particularly in nail technicians. In severe cases this may even force a career change if the allergy becomes unmanageable.
Beyond allergens, many substances used in the beauty industry such as bleaches, relaxers and wet work agents can cause skin irritation or respiratory symptoms due to overexposure. Therefore, workers must receive proper training on safe handling practices and how to minimise exposure risks.
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