Assessment of Indoor Air Pollutants Exposure in Hair Salons of Lahore

Abstract Hairdressing activities release indoor air pollutants which are hazardous for human health. The present study was, therefore, conducted to determine indoor air pollutants exposure in hair salons of Lahore. The study period was from August to September 2019. Four hair salons were selected for sampling the indoor air pollutants during working hours and before it. Total working employees, working area, clients per day and ventilation facilities were noted on a designed proforma. The parameters of indoor air pollutants included volatile organic compounds (VOCs), coarse particulate matter (PM10), ozone (O3), carbon dioxide (CO2), relative humidity (RH%) and temperature (°C). PM10 was monitored through DustTrak aerosol monitors (model 8520, TSI Inc.). Similarly, VOCs, O3, RH% and temperature were measured through a portable aeroqual series 500 after using relevant sensors. The sampling period for all pollutants were 8-hours. The concentration levels of VOCs, O3 and PM10 were higher during working hours as compared to the before. Only the level of in all selected hair salons was above the recommended exposure limits (> 0.20-0.50 ppm). The ventilation system was insufficient. Indoor air pollutants exposure level in hair salons was higher during working hours as compared to the before. However, all pollutants were within the prescribed exposure limits except VOCs. Uses of less hazardous chemical products, regular biological monitoring, and proper ventilation system along with large sample size of hair salons are recommended for further studies. Keywords: Particulate matter, Environmental pollutants, Volatile organic compounds, Ozone, Carbon dioxide