Emission characteristics, environmental impact, and occupational health risks assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the hairdressing sector

The common presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in hair products means that VOCs are emitted from these products during hairdressing procedures, which can be harmful to both the indoor atmospheric environment and human health. This study focused on sampling VOCs during various hairdressing activities and discussing the correlation between the types of hairdressing activities and the emissions of VOCs. The study revealed that hair treatment had the highest contribution to the VOCs concentrations, at 1294.11 μg/m³. Oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) were the most significant VOCs components in all hairdressing activities, especially contributing over 80% of the VOCs in hair treatment, ordinary perm, hair setting of an ordinary perm, and hair coloring. OVOCs and alkenes were the primary components that significantly influenced the formation of ozone due to their substantial contribution of concentration and their chemical reactivity, respectively. The secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP) for hair treatment, cold wave, hair setting of a cold wave, ordinary perm, hair setting of an ordinary perm, and hair coloring were 0.76, 0.93, 0.85, 0.86, 0.93, and 1.36 μg/m³, respectively. Acrolein and acetaldehyde were the main non-carcinogenic species, with acrolein posing a non-carcinogenic risk ranging from 4.04 to 22.98, far exceeding the safety threshold. The most significant carcinogenic risks were associated with 1,3-butadiene and acetaldehyde. Therefore, it is imperative to impose stringent regulations on the management of hair salons and the operations of hairdressers.