Knowledge, Attitude and Health Risk Protection Behaviors from Formaldehyde Exposure among Beauti-cians in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behavior on chemical usage among beauticians; examine the concentration of formaldehyde in the beauticians’ working area; and evaluate the health protection behaviors of the beauticians against cancer and non-cancer risks from exposure to formaldehyde which is a compound in chemical hair-straightening, chemical hair treatment, or unqualified shampoo. Formaldehyde has been classified as human carcinogenic agent by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Altogether 55 employees in 39 beauty shops in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province participated in this study. Data were collected by using question-naires; and air concentration of formaldehyde was measured by using spectrophotometer. It was found that most beauticians were female and the average age was 37 years old, secondary school graduation 43.6%, married 52%, and average income of 15,372.7 Thai Baht per month. ALmost half of them (43.6%) had moderate knowledge of formaldehyde, 56.4% had high attitude towards chemical management, and 70.9% had low risk. Thirty three beauticians from 39 salons had esposure to 0.00002-0.5710 ppm concentra-tion of formaldehyde in the working area air. The concentration was within the acceptable level of Thailand’s Ministry of Interior Announcement and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard. However, 19 salons had higher concentration than the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard, which defined that the concentration of formaldehyde in the air should not be exceed 0.016 ppm. Results of cancer risk assessment revealed that the risk probability was 8.34 in 10 9 to 1.00 in 10 3 calculated with average concentration; and 30 beauticians had formaldehyde concentration exceeded the acceptable risk level of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Cancer risk probability was 1.97 in 10 8 to 1.40 in 10 3 calculated with maximum concentration and 31 beauticians had exceeded the acceptable risk level, 1 x 10^-6 according to USEPA. Results of non-cancer risk assessment revealed that the risk was ranged from 0.018-13.216 calculated with the average con-centration and 12 beauticians had exceeded the acceptable level. When calculated with the maximum concentration, the risk was ranged from 0.024-18.488 and 13 beauticians had exceeded the acceptable risk level set by USEPA. There was no association between formaldehyde exposure and health impact or behaviors of the beauticians (p>0.05)