1

Report:

on

CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME ON SAFE COSMETICS USE FOR OCCUPATIONAL WORKERS IN SALONS AND BEAUTY

PARLOURS IN LAGOS, NIGERIATO

Occupational Knowledge International (OK International)

USAon behalf of

DEVELOPING WORLD OUTREACH INITIATIVE (DWOI)

BY

Leslie AdogameSustainable Research and Action for

Environmental Development(SRADev Nigeria)

ane_adogame@hotmail.com

March, 2016

SRADev Nigeria…… bridging the gap between environmental knowledge and action!

“SRADev Nigeria acknowledges financial support by the Developing World Outreach Initiative (DWOI) through the Occupational Knowledge International and the Northern

California Section of American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) for this report. The sole responsibility

for the content of this report lies with SRADev Nigeria. The allies mentioned above are not responsible for any

use that may be made of information contained therein.”

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Table of content

Title page

List of acronyms

1.0 Background 6

2.0 Introduction 6

2.1 Nigeria hairdressing sector 7

2.2 Justification 7

2.3 Aims and objectives 7

3.0 Methodology 8

3.1 Data collection 9

3.2 Data management 10

4.0 Result and discussion 11

4.1 Questionnaire analysis 11

4.1.1 Demographics 11

4.1.2 Job history of Respondents 14

4.1.3 Perception on the use of chemicals 15

4.1.4 Health effect of chemical use 21

4.1.5 Reduction of chemical exposure 21

4.1.6 Waste management 23

4.1.7 Relationship among variables 24

4.2 Response from observation checklist 27

5.0 Conclusion and recommendation 30

5.1 Recommendations 30

Bibliography

3

List of figures

Figure 1 Flowchart of the project 10

Figure 2 Sex of respondents 13

Figure 3 Educational backgrounds of respondents 13

List of Tables

Table 1 Local government area and number of sampled shops 11

Table 2 Demographic variables 12

Table 3 Quantitative demographics 13

Table 4.1 Job history 14

Table 4.2 Quantitative job history variables 15

Table 5 Perception on the activities requiring chemical use 16

Table 6 List of toxic chemical products 16

Table 7 Sources of chemical products 17

Table 8 Label reading habits 17

Table 9 Perceived hotspots on product label 17

Table 10 Would buy product without labels 18

Table 11 Reasons for not buying unlabeled chemical product 18

Table 12 Perception on the forms of chemical used 18

Table 13 Exposure route of chemical agent 19

Table 14 How ventilated workplace is 19

Table 15 Notice of difference in body system 20

Table 16 Health effect chemicals pose 20

Table 17 Reduction of chemical exposure 21

Table 18 How chemical exposure is reduced 22

Table 19 Safety device 22

Table 20 Kind of waste generated 23

Table 21 Waste disposal method adopted 23

Table 22 Waste water disposal method 24

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Table 23 Comparing size of workplace and label reading habit 25

Table 24 Relationship between educational background label reading habit 25

Table 25 The relationship between educational background and

where respondents purchase chemical products 25

Table 26 Relationship between educational background and

perception of chemical toxicity 26

Table 27 Relationship between educational backgrounds

and route of chemical exposure 26

Table 28 Relationship between years of work experience and noticed health effect 27

Table 29 Identified chemicals and the products they are found 27

Table 30 Observational checklist response 29

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Acronyms and abbreviation

NGO Non-governmental organization

SRADev Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development

NASHCO National Association of Hairdressers Barbers and Cosmetologists

SPSS Statistical Packages for Social Sciences

PPEs Personal Protective Equipment

LAWMA Lagos State Waste Management Authority

Dba Dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride

Pda P-phenylenediamine

Gtc glycerol thioglycolate

Ap Ammonium per sulfate

Em Ethyl methacrylate

Ac Acetone

An Acetonitrile

Ba Butyl Acetate

Ea ethyl acetate

Ia Isopropyl acetate

Ma Methacrylic acid

Hg Mercury

Hq Hydroquinone

6

1.0 BACKGROUND

In 1950, World Health Organization/International Labour Organization expert committees

on Occupational Health and Safety in their first session spelt out the objectives of

occupational health which includes promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of

physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations. Nigeria has the

Workman’s Compensation Ordinance which was replaced by Workman Compensation

Decree of 1987. The Factory Act of 1955 was amended in 1958 and later replaced by

Factory Decree of 1987 which has not been effective. Till date there is no government

institution that statutorily coordinates occupational hygiene and not too many Nigerians

understand labour laws, factory laws and workman compensation laws that are meant to

ensure the dignity of labour and its security. Many small to medium size industries and

enterprises are springing up on daily basis owned by both foreigners and locals but the

rights of these workers hardly protected [1].

2.0INTRODUCTION

Workers in beauty salons are exposed to myriad of chemicals [1]. These can be in form of

solids like relaxer and cream, liquids like shampoo and nail solvents or gases, hair spray

and after shaves. Ingredients of these products required for their activities which cut

across hair relaxing, dying, washing, spraying, nail varnishing, adhesives, nail polishing, and

disinfecting could pose harmful effect. Both acute and chronic effects have been implicated

with the use of cosmetics. The health effects range from irritations of the skin, eye and nose

to breathing and reproductive disorders, disruption of immune system and cancers [2-

5].Quach and coworkers observed that a significant fraction reported developing health

problems while running their job, especially acute health problems related to the use of

solvent (e.g. skin and eye irritation, breathing difficulties and headaches)[6].

Poor access to adequate knowledge on the deleterious effects of chemical agents used in

the beauty care industry is a major problem to preventing the health outcomes in this part

of the world as the actors were mainly high school leavers. Moreover, high cost of living

and rising unemployment level are reasons for proliferation of the beauty industry as well

7

as other industries in Nigeria. The National Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and

Cosmetologists (NASHCO) of Nigeria is one sector that is highly unregulated; workers are

left at their own detriment.

Salon jobs are low-waged. Most salon workers are contractors renting booths in a salon, or

misclassified as contractors (when they should be classified as employees). Hence, they do

not have the same benefits or rights of being an employee, such as health care, sick leave, or

job security. Moreover, most salon operatives have their highest level of education at the

secondary level and as such are limited in their knowledge of English language. This makes

it difficult for them to access safety information and a good knowledge of relevant

occupational health regulations. Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental

Development (SRADev Nigeria), a professional non-governmental organization (focal point

for NGOs on chemicals management) conducted a research to assess the occupational

health knowledge base of beauty parlour workers.

2.1 THE NIGERIAN HAIRDRESSING SECTOR

The hairdressing sector in Nigeria employs more than one million people who work across

thousands of hairdressing salons and receive some 150 million potential customers.

Hairdressing (and barbering) services, together with beauty treatment, form the personal

services sector of the country.

The hairdressing trade is dominated by small establishments. On the average, hair salons

have about 3-5 workers depending on the size, and are, for the vast majority, run by self-

employed hairdressers who often work on their own with or without some dependent

employees as apprentice. The share of self-employment in the sector appears to be two to

ten times higher than in the whole of the economy. Apart from the sharp rise of micro-

businesses run by owner-operators, an expansion in chain and franchise businesses can be

noticed in almost every nooks and crannies of the rural, peri-urban and urban areas of the

country. Infact, it can be said that the trade can be found thriving in almost every other

street or corner shop in Nigeria. Self-employed hairdressers may work in their own salon

set up in their home (home-based or domestic hairdressers) or at business premises, but

may also work as mobile hairdressers (visiting clients in their homes or place of work, in

8

retirement homes, at fashion shows, weddings, etc.) or rent chairs (or sometimes rooms) at

salons owned by someone else. Chair-renters do not have a contract of employment with

the salon but a contract based on services provided.

Hairdressing in Nigeria is a predominantly female profession, with over 80% women

workers many of whom work full-time and stay in the sector for about 8-hour periods of

time per day (SRADev, 2015). The sector is also characterised by a young workforce. About

80 % of recruits are aged under 26 and 56 % are under 19. In some Nigerian cities like

Lagos, there have been trends towards the sector being embraced by migrant workers

from neighbouring countries, even as apprentices, employees, masters, salon owners,

teachers, managers, administrators, professional associations, suppliers, experts etc).

In general, there exist considerable differences in salaries, working conditions and training

across the country. Owing to the rather small average size of hairdressing businesses, their

average annual turnover is comparatively modest. Pay levels are generally lower than the

national average. People working in the sector have commonly mid-range qualifications

ranging from ‘secondary education’ and ‘post-secondary non-tertiary education’) (SRADev,

2015). Within the trade union referred to as NASCHO, considerable efforts is been made to

raise training standards and the quality of entrants into the profession. Hairdressers,

whether as entrepreneurs or co-workers, offer their services to millions of customers every

day. A healthy working environment contributes significantly to the success of businesses

and is important both for the persons working in the hairdressing trade as well as for the

customers.

The significant improvement in user-friendliness, quality and safety of mass-marketed

products for home use, in particular colouring products, is leading the personal services

sector to seek to compete on quality, diversify and develop new niche markets such as

health and beauty treatments. The development of hairdressing requires respect for the

highest quality standards, for both customers and workers, and requires social and

environmental responsibility.

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2.3 JUSTIFICATION

Salon owners, workers and clienteles do not have sound knowledge of harmful chemicals

to avoid and be mindful of in salon products and lack the technical skills or measures to

handle and protect themselves against exposure to such endangering chemicals. This group

has no organized occupational health service and their adherence to safety measures is

unknown. Following the cross-sectional study of beauty salons undertaken by SRADev

Nigeria in 2010 on the “Perception Study of Mercury in Cosmetic Products in some areas in

Lagos State” it was observed that about 92% of the respondents use cosmetics in form of

body cream or hair relaxer, yet quite number of them do not understand health dangers of

the chemical constituents of those cosmetics even those that contain mercury and

hydroquinone. This national campaign will justify the need for training, awareness raising

and advocacy program that will enlighten salon workers on occupational health issues,

draw attention of regulatory authorities to occupational exposure/risk of workers in this

sector and enforcement standards in the profession, towards putting in place an

occupational health and safety regime.

2.4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this project are to:

raise awareness about harmful chemicals used in salon products, their source of

exposure and impact on health and hence galvanize a national regulatory

mechanism.

empower salon and beauty parlour workers with technical skills on how to prevent

and protect themselves against products with harmful constituents and how to

integrate these measures and practices into their daily operations.

train them on how to handle and dispose of waste from their operations like hair,

nails and used chemical containers.

organize media event with stakeholders and affiliated government ministry to

create awareness and sensitize the public with the view of advocating safety

regulations among salon workers.

instigate and facilitate policy change in the sector.

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3.0METHODOLOGY

Stakeholder Consultation Meetings

SRADev Nigeria identified and worked with barbers and beauty salon workers under the

umbrella trade union of National Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and Cosmetologists

(NASHCO) of Nigeria. An initial consultation meeting with the national president Dr. (Mrs.)

Elizabeth Ishoka was conveyed on October 19, 2015. This was aimed at introducing

SRADev and the proposed project towards achieving their buy-in to the project. Having

achieved this, another consultation meeting was brokered at that meeting to enable

SRADev team meet with other stakeholders of the association on October 23, 2015. In

attendance were the founder of NASHCO Dr. (Mrs.) Osisanya, Legal Adviser, National

Secretary, Lagos State chapter President and other delegates. In his opening address,

Executive Director of SRADev Nigeria, Mr. Leslie Adogame lauded the executives and

members of the union for their keen interest in the project and gave an overview of the

components project and benefits to the association. Furthermore, he explained the various

activities to be carried out to include data gathering through administration of

questionnaires and observation checklist, train the trainer workshop and press release

towards advocacy action to relevant government agencies.

In her response, Dr. (Mrs.) Osisanya welcomed SRADev team and gave their support to the

laudable project noting that it will be beneficial to the association. Questions were asked

concerning the project by members present and they were duly answered by SRADev team.

Thereafter, the modalities for data gathering were discussed and the association

nominated the national secretary, Mr. Godwin Akpomeran to accompany the project team

during the fieldwork to facilitate our access into members’ business premises and also

their co-operation.

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SRADev team led by Mr. Leslie Adogame(2nd right) pose for group photo with Dr. (Mrs.) Ishoka (2nd left), NASHCO National President during the initial consultation meeting at her office.

3.1 Data Collection

The salons and beauty shops were selected by a purposive sampling process from all the 20

local governments in Lagos State. This involved an interviewer administered questionnaire

and observational checklist which captured information from their demographics,

perception on chemical exposure and preventive measures, health effects associated with

chemical use and waste management practices.

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Press release

NASHCOSRADev

Data collection

SRADev

A day train the trainer

Figure 1: Flowchart of the project

Project conceptualization

Building a synergy with NASHCO members (meetings)

Data collection

Source: SRADev, Nigeria December, 2015

3.2 Data Management

The data was entered into the computer and analyzed using statistical packages for

social sciences (SPSS). Findings from the above activities will be used to formulate

modules for the proposed train-the-trainers workshop for salon and beauty parlour

workers and other relevant stakeholders. In addition, the findings will be disseminated

to the general public at a media press event to create nationwide awareness for

advocacy action.

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4.0RESULT AND DISCUSSION

At the end of sampling, feedbacks were received from twenty-nine (29) respondents

through questionnaires administered across twenty (20) local government areas (LGAs) of

Lagos State. The results are discussed in this section of the report.

4.1 Questionnaire analysis

4.1.1 Demographics

A total of twenty-nine (29) beauty and barbing salons were purposively sampled from

across the 20 local government areas of Lagos State as shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Local Government Area and sampled shops

Local Government Area (LGA) No. of beauty/barbing salon sampled Percent

Agege 1 3.4

Alimosho 1 3.4

AmowuOdofin 1 3.4

Apapa 1 3.4

Badagry 1 3.4

Epe 1 3.4

Etiosa 2 6.9

IbejuLekki 2 6.9

Ifako/Ijaye 2 6.9

IfelodunAjeromi 2 6.9

Ikeja 2 6.9

Ikorodu 1 3.4

Lagos Island 2 6.9

Lagos Mainland 1 3.4

Mushin 2 6.9

Ojo 1 3.4

Oshodi 2 6.9

Oworonsoki 2 6.9

Shomolu 1 3.4

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Surulere 1 3.4

Total 29 100.0

Source: SRADev Nigeria 2015

As shown in Table 2 below, the salons were grouped into small, medium and large scale in

terms of size. 34.5% of the respondents were from small scale beauty and barbing salons,

51.7% were respondents from medium, while 13.8% respondents were from large scale

salons. The age of respondents ranged from 20 to 49 years. Also, 69% of the respondents

are married as against 31% representing the number of single respondents as shown in

Table 2. Most of the respondents (89.7%) are hair stylists and only a small fraction were

barbers (10.3%). They were predominantly Christians (75.9%) and of Yoruba tribe (69%).

Table 2: Demographic variable

S/N Demographic variable Groups Frequency Percentage

1. Size of the workplace of the

respondents

Small 10 34.5

Medium 15 51.7

Large 4 13.8

2. Marital status Single 9 31.0

Married 20 69.0

3

Occupation

Hair stylist 22 89.7

Barbing 7 10.3

4

Religion

Christianity 22 75.9

Islam 7 24.1

5.

Tribe

Yoruba 20 69

Igbo 5 17.2

Hausa 0 0

Others 4 13.8

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Figure 2 Pie chart showing sex of the respondents

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21

Sex

MaleFemale

As shown in Figure 2, the population of female respondents (21) almost tripled that of the male respondents (8).

Table 3: Quantitative demographics

S/N Demographic variable Range Mean ± SD

1. Parity 0 - 5 1.7 ± 1.5

2. Monthly income 5000 - 50,000 20000 ± 1200

As shown in Table 3, the mean parity of the respondents was 1.7± 1.5 while the average

income ( ) was 20,000 ± 1,200.₦

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Figure 3: Educational background

Primary Secondary Tertiary0

5

10

15

20

25

4

21

4

Educational background

The educational background as shown in Figure 3 revealed that respondents with

secondary education formed the largest number representing 72% of the total sampled.

This was four times higher than respondents with primary (14%) and tertiary education

(14%).

4.1.2 Job history of Respondents:

This include work experience, average time spent at work daily, number of non-customers

and the source of knowledge about the profession as shown in Table 4.1 below. About

41.4% of the respondents had more than 10years work experience while a good number

had less than 5years work experience (37.9%). On their average daily time spent at work,

65.5% of the respondents spend more than 8 hours at work daily as against 13.8% of

respondents who spend less than 8 hours at work daily. 79.3% of the respondents reported

having <5 non-customers in their workplace. However, about 14% of the respondents had

6-10 non-customers. The non-customers captured the practitioners and apprentices at the

workplace. 86.2% of the respondents gained their knowledge of the profession through

apprenticeship and 13.8% from friends and siblings. Hence, most of the respondents can be

said to have duly gained adequate knowledge of the profession.

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Table 4.1: Job History

Job history Variables Frequency Percentage

Work experience

Less than 5yrs 11 37.9

6-10 yrs 6 20.7

Greater than 10 yrs 12 41.4

Average time at work daily

< 8 Hours 4 13.8

8 Hours 6 20.7

>8 Hours 19 65.5

Number of non-customers

<5 people 23 79.3

6 - 10 people 4 13.8

>10 people 2 6.9

Source of knowledge of the

profession

Apprenticeship 25 86.2

Relatives and friends 4 13.8

As shown in Table 4.2 below, the mean number of customers attended to per day was

4.5±2.4 while the mean number of customers that could be attended to simultaneously was

2.1 ± 1.3.

Table 4.2: Quantitative Job History variables

Job history Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation

Number of customers attended

to per day1.0 12.0 4.5 2.4

Number of customers attended

to once1.0 6.0 2.1 1.3

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4.1.3 Perception on the use of chemicals

Twenty eight (28 Nos.) respondents, about 96.6% of the total sampled, reported the use of

chemical to carry out activities at their workplace. Most of them 93.1% reported chemical

use in relaxing hair, 79.3% in washing hair while 27.9% responded on the use of chemical

in nail varnishing (this figure is quite low). The low response to chemical use in nail

varnishing is quite appalling as it contains chemical agents such as Toluene, Phthalates,

ketones and formaldehyde [1]. On assessment with respect to perception of chemical

toxicity, 55.2% of the respondents said they were aware that some of the chemical

products were toxic while 44.8% of the respondents claimed that none of the chemical

products were toxic.

Table 5: Perception on the salon activities requiring chemical use

Activities chemicals are used for Frequency Percentage

Hair relaxing 27 93.1

Washing 23 79.3

Disinfection 15 51.7

Hair treatment 15 51.7

Nail varnishing 8 27.9

Nail treatment 13 44.8

Adhesives 21 72.4

The list of chemicals reported was to access their knowledge of toxic chemicals. From Table

6, the chemicals identified to be toxic were Dyes, Relaxer and Hair spray. The respondents

that identified the toxic chemicals were 41.4%, 51.7% and 24.1% for dyes, relaxer and hair

sprays respectively. Nail application products were not considered as being toxic despite

its numerous hazardous chemical ingredients. Toluene for instance can get to the system

through inhalation and absorption from the skin. It has been linked with endocrine

disruption, risk of spontaneous abortions, and irritant of the eyes, nose and throat and can

likely be toxic to the kidney and liver. It was also reported that there can be placenta to

fetus contraction and as well as to baby through breast milk [7]. Also, a good number of the

respondents 44.8% did not think that nail treatment contained harmful chemicals.

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Phthalates are primarily used as plasticizers, solvents and to fasten paints on nail have

been found to trigger Asthma [8].

Table 6: List of the toxic chemical products

Toxic chemicals Frequency Percentage

Dye

Yes 12 41.4

No 16 58.6

Relaxer

Yes 15 51.7

No 14 42.3

Hair spray Yes 7 24.1

No 21 75.9

Sources of chemical products: As shown in Table 7, 55.2% of the respondents buy their

products from supermarkets while only 6.9% of them buy from hawkers.

Table 7: Sources of chemical products

Sources Frequency Percent

open market 10 34.5

Supermarket 16 55.2

Hawkers 2 6.9

Reading labels: Considerably, a high percentage of the respondents (89.7%) read labels

before purchasing their chemical products, as shown in Table 8.

Table 8: Responses to reading of labels prior to product purchase

Do you read labels? Frequency Percent

Yes 26 89.7

No 3 10.3

Total 28 96.6

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Table 9: Perceived hotspots on product labels

Perceived hotspots on label Frequency Percent

Content of the product

Yes 23 79.3

No 6 20.7

Manufacture/ expiry date

Yes 25 86.2

No 4 13.8

Country of manufacture

Yes 6 20.7

No 23 79.3

Manufacturer's name

Yes 6 20.7

No 23 79.3

Perceived hotspots on product labels: This attempted to assess their knowledge of what

they look out for when reading product labels prior to product purchase. As shown in Table

9, most of the respondents (79.3%) claimed they check the product content and date of

manufacture/expiration (86.2%). However, only very few of them claimed that they look

out for the manufacturers’ name and country (20.7%).

Table 10: Purchase of products without labels

Would you purchase products without label? Frequency Percent

Yes 2 6.9

No 25 86.2

Non-response 2 6.9

Only a small fraction of the respondents (6.9%) said they would still buy products without

label and another fraction (6.9%) did not respond to the question as shown Table 10.

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Table 11: Reasons for not buying unlabeled chemical products

Reasons for not buying unlabeled products Frequency Percent

It is not safe 9 31

no identity 16 55.2

Total 25 86.2

Respondents who answered in the negative in Table 10 gave their reasons for not buying

unlabeled chemical products as either unsafe (31%) or because they have no identity

(55.2%).

Table 12: Perception on the forms of chemicals

Form of chemicals Frequency Percent

Aerosols Yes 26 89.7

No 2 6.9

Liquids Yes 22 75.9

No 6 20.7

Solids Yes 6 20.7

No 22 75.9

Most respondents identified the forms of chemical products to be aerosols (89.7%) and

liquids (75.9%). However, only 20.7% of the respondents seemed to be aware that

chemical products are also in solid forms as can be seen on Table 12.

Table 13: Exposure Route of Chemical agents

Exposure route Frequency Percent

Mouth Yes 12 41.4

No 16 55.2

Nose Yes 26 89.7

No 2 6.9

Skin Yes 24 82.8

No 4 13.8

22

As shown in Table 13, the perceived route of exposure of the chemicals by the respondents,

was reported to be through the mouth (41.4%), nose (89.7%) and skin (82.8%)

respectively.

Table 14: Ventilation in workplace

Ventilation Frequency Percent

poor 16 55.2

fair 7 24.1

good 6 20.7

Total 29 100.0

More than half of the sampled salons were poorly ventilated (55.2%), as shown in Table 14.

This poses a risk of atmospheric retention of chemicals in the products especially, liquids,

solvents and aerosols which can get into the body through eye and by inhalation. The

percentage of well ventilated workplaces visited during the course of the study was quite

low (20.7%).

Table 15: Notice of change in body system

Frequency Percent

Yes 7 24.1

No 22 75.9

Table 15 reveals that 24.1% of the respondents were aware of certain changes in their

body system; however, 75.9% of the respondents seemed not to notice any significant

changes in their body system that could be attributed to chemical exposure in their

workplace.

4.1.4 Health effects of chemical use

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From Table 16 below, it is evident that from the field study only about 6.9% of respondents

frequently experience body aches. Health effects relating to respiration experienced by

salon worker includes bronchitis, cough, catarrh and Asthma. Only 3.4% of the respondents

frequently had difficulty in breathing. However, other responses showed that 20.7%

experienced respiratory dysfunctions including occasional difficulty in breathing and

catarrh while 10.3% experience occasional coughing. This is a result of spending long hours

inhaling chemicals in the air especially in poorly ventilated workplaces. One respondent

complained of incessant abdominal pain. Another reported that she experiences

miscarriage occasionally. Furthermore, respondents that experienced occasional

neurotoxic effects such as memory loss and dizziness were 3.4% and 17.2% respectively. In

a similar research conducted in the United States, it was reported that salon workers faced

neurotoxic effects for instance 44% had headaches and dizziness at work [1].

Table 16: Responses to probable health effects of chemical exposure

Health effect Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never

Headache

Frequency 0 8 4 17

Percentage 0 27.6 13.8 58.6

Nausea

Frequency 0 6 3 20

Percentage 0 20.7 10.3 69

Dizziness

Frequency 0 5 2 22

Percentage 0 17.2 6.9 75.9

Body ache

Frequency 2 11 2 14

Percentage 6.9 37.9 6.9 48.3

Difficulty in

breathing

Frequency 1 6 1 21

Percentage 3.4 20.7 3.4 72.4

Catarrh

Frequency 0 6 2 21

Percentage 0 20.7 6.9 72.4

Cough

Frequency 0 3 4 22

Percentage 0 10.3 13.8 75.9

Asthma

Frequency 0 0 1 28

Percentage 0 0 3.4 96.9

Eye irritation Frequency 0 0 3 2624

Percentage 0 0 10.3 89.7

Skin irritation

Frequency 0 0 3 26

Percentage 0 0 10.3 89.7

Miscarriage

Frequency 0 1 1 27

Percentage 0 3.4 3.4 93.1

Abdominal pain

Frequency 1 1 1 26

Percentage 3.4 3.4 3.4 89.7

Depression

Frequency 0 1 0 28

Percentage 0 3.4 0 96.9

Memory loss

Frequency 0 1 1 27

Percentage 0 3.4 3.4 93.1

4.1.5 Reduction of chemical exposure

As shown in Table 17, a considerably high proportion of the respondents (89.7%) accented

that they take measures to reduce their exposure to chemicals in their workplaces.

Table 17: Reduction of chemical exposure

Frequency Percent

yes 26 89.7

no 3 10.3

Total 29 100.0

Table 18: Measures taken to reduce their exposure to chemicals

How you reduce chemical exposure Frequency Percent

Regular hand washing Yes 26 89.7

No 3 10.3

Use of PPEs Yes 19 65.5

No 10 34.5

Keeping a well-ventilated environment yes 13 44.8

no 16 55.2

25

Covering chemical products when not in

use

yes 18 62.1

no 11 37.9

Table 18 shows that most of the respondents practiced regular hand washing (89.7%) in

order to reduce their exposure to chemicals, about 65.5% claimed that they use Personal

Protective Equipment when necessary (this was however not very evident in most salons

as at the time of the fieldwork). A good number of respondents (62.1%) also claimed they

always cover chemical products containers when not in use and only about 44.8% of the

total respondents sampled operated in a well-ventilated environment. There is the need for

frequent trainings on health and safety in this group of beauty practitioners because from

this field study, their awareness level on such issues is quite low. A significant proportion

of respondents do not take action to reduce their exposure to chemicals; 34.5% do not

make use of PPEs, while 37.9% of the respondents expose chemical products containers

when not in use and more than half of the respondents (55.2%) operate in poorly

ventilated workplaces.

Table 19: Safety device

Safety gadgets used Frequency Percent

Hand gloves yes 18 62.1

no 11 37.9

Head cover Yes 2 6.9

No 27 93.1

Body wear Yes 5 17.2

No 24 82.8

Nose mask Yes 3 10.3

No 26 89.7

It was observed during the course of the fieldwork that most of the respondents were not

well kitted with safety gadgets like head cover (93.1%), body wear (82.8%), and nose mask

(89.7%) while at work as shown in Table 19.

26

Exposed bin liable to wind dispersal Litter of hair around work place

4.1.6 Waste management

Generally, it was observed that all the respondents generate waste cosmetic containers,

wastewater and tissues like natural or synthetic hair from their activities. However, only

13.8% reported that they generate wastewater and 17.2% claimed they generate waste

from body tissues (like nail and hair) as shown in Table 20.

Table 20: Kind of waste generated

Waste materials Frequency Percent

Cosmetics containers Yes 29 100.0

No 0 0

Wastewater Yes 4 13.8

No 25 86.2

Body tissue (nail and hair) Yes 5 17.2

No 24 82.8

Table 21: Solid waste disposal

Waste disposal methods Frequency Percent

LAWMA 25 86.2

27

Dumpsite 4 13.8

Respondents who disposed their solid waste materials through Lagos State Waste

Management Authority (LAWMA) were almost six times (86.4%) those that use dumpsites

(13.8%) as shown Table 21. This is an indication that most respondents practiced good

solid waste management as required by the government.

Table 22: Waste water disposal

Waste water disposal methods Frequency Percent

drainages 14 48.3

on road 7 24.1

septic tank 8 27.6

Table 22 shows that most of the respondents (48.3%) used public drains, while 24.1%

dispose their wastewater on road surfaces and 27.6% through septic tanks.

Poor drainage system Wastewater from customers stored in a bucket

4.1.7 Relationship among variables:

Generally, the relationship variables were not statistically significant (with p-values more

than 0.05). Hence, drawing inference may not be conclusive. Relationship between the size

of workplace and perception on reading labels as shown in Table 23, all the respondents of

small size workplace read labels. However, one of the respondents from large size

28

workplace does not read labels prior to product purchase. This implies that the choice to

read label is independent of size of the workplace, rather it is personal.

Table 23: Comparing the size of the workplace and label reading habit

Size of workplace do you read label Total

Yes No

SmallFrequency 9 0 9

Percentage 100.0% 0.0% 100.0%

MediumFrequency 14 1 15

Percentage 93.3% 6.7% 100.0%

LargeFrequency 3 1 4

Percentage 75.0% 25.0% 100.0%

Total Frequency 26 2 28

Table 24: The relationship between educational background and label reading habit

Educational

background

do you read label Total

Yes No

PrimaryFrequency 4 0 4

Percentage 100.0% 0.0% 100.0%

SecondaryFrequency 18 2 20

Percentage 90.0% 10.0% 100.0%

TertiaryFrequency 4 0 4

Percentage 100.0% 0.0% 100.0%

Frequency 26 2 28

As shown in Table 24, all the respondents with primary and tertiary levels of education

claimed that they read product labels before purchase, however, 2 of the respondents with

29

secondary education do usually read labels. Suffice to say that generally, what most

respondents look out for in the labels is the expiry dates of the product and not the

chemical constituents.

Table 25: Relationship between educational background and where respondents purchase

chemical products

Educational background

Where do you buy chemical products Total

Open market

Supermarket Hawkers

PrimaryFrequency 2 2 0 4

Percentage 50.0% 50.0% 0.0% 100.0%

SecondaryFrequency 7 11 2 20

Percentage 35.0% 55.0% 10.0% 100.0%

TertiaryFrequency 1 3 0 4

Percentage 25.0% 75.0% 0.0% 100.0%

Total Frequency 10 16 2 28

As shown in Table 25, a small fraction of respondents with secondary education purchase

their products from hawkers. This could pose devastating effects on the product quality

due to exposure to the elements such as sunlight and rainfall. Also, some of the goods may

be adulterated due to proliferation of informal cosmetic products manufacturing sector.

Table 26: Relationship between educational background and their perception on

chemical toxicity

Educational background Are the chemicals toxic Total

Yes No

PrimaryFrequency 2 2 4

Percentage 50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Secondary Frequency 11 9 20

30

Percentage 55.0% 45.0% 100.0%

TertiaryFrequency 3 1 4

Percentage 75.0% 25.0% 100.0%

Total Frequency 16 12 28

There was some level of ignorance about toxicity of chemical products among respondents

of primary (50%) and secondary (45%) educational background compared to those with

tertiary education (25%) as shown in Table 26.

Table 27: Relationship between educational background and route of exposure

Educational

background

Mouth Nostril Skin

Yes No Yes No Yes No

Primary

Frequency 1 3 3 1 4 0

Percentage 25.0% 75.0% 75.0% 25.0% 100.0% 0.0%

Secondary

Frequency 8 12 19 1 16 4

Percentage 40.0% 60.0% 95.0% 5.0% 80.0% 20.0%

Tertiary

Frequency 3 1 4 0 4 0

Percentage 75.0% 25.0% 100.0% 0.0% 100.0% 0.0%

Total Frequency 12 16 26 2 24 4

Most of the respondents irrespective of their educational background tend to believe that

the major route of chemical exposure in their work place is through the skin and by

inhalation. However, a large number of respondents with primary (75%) and secondary

education (60%) did not think they could be exposed by ingestion.

Table 28: Relationship between number of years at work and observation of effects in their body system

Work experience Do you notice any changes in your body between then and now

Total

Yes No

<5Frequency 1 10 11Percentage 9.1% 90.9% 100.0%

6-10 Frequency 0 6 6

31

Percentage 0.0% 100.0% 100.0%

>10Frequency 6 6 12Percentage 50.0% 50.0% 100.0%

Total Frequency 7 22 29

At p<0.05, a relationship was established between the years of experience and perceived

changes in the body system of the respondents as shown in Table 28. This reflects that the

longer people stayed at work the more they experienced changes in their health status.

Response from observational checklist

Table 29: Chemicals identified during fieldwork and products they are found

S/N Chemicals Products found

1 Dba: Dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride Disinfectants and cleaners

2 Pda: P-phenylenediamine Hair dyes, black henna tattoos

3 Gtc: glycerol thioglycolate Permanent wave solution

4 Ap: Ammonium persulfate Hair bleach

5 Em: Ethyl methacrylate Artificial nail

6 Ac: Acetone Nail polish removal, hair spray

7 An: Acetonitrile Nail glue removal

8 Ba: Butyl Acetate, Ea: Ethyl acetate and Ia: Isopropyl

acetate

Nail polish, nail polish remover,

wig glue/hair piece bonding

9 Ma: Methacrylic acid Nail primer, eyelash glue

10 Hg: Mercury Bleaching creams

11 Hq: Hydroquinone paint

The number of non-customers was 4±3 people however, 2±1 were the number of

customers attended to.

The ingredients identified to have detrimental effects found on shelf of beauty care

givers were P-phenyllenediaamine found in hair dye, butylacetate, Isopropylacetate

and ethylacetate found in nail paints and varnish, ammonium per sulfate in olive

oils, acetonitrile and dimehtlybenylammoniumchloride.

32

Twelve (12Nos.) respondents were observed to make use of hand gloves and

protective clothing as at the time of the fieldwork, only one (1No.) respondent made

use of head covering while working and none of the respondents made use of nose

mask as at the time of the fieldwork.

There were no waste bins at five (5Nos.) salons sampled

Sixteen (16Nos.) of the respondents did not have cross ventilation in their shops.

Twelve (12No.) of the respondents had chemical products exposed in their

workplace while not in use. This could increase their level of exposure to such

chemical through evaporation and subsequent inhalation.

Six (6Nos.) respondents were observed making use of chemical products without

labels, most of them claimed they poured the products from the original containers

into the unlabelled ones.

Eight (8Nos) respondents were found not to have hand washing equipment.

Nine (9Nos.) of the respondents had used containers littering thire work place. This

is part of the poor chemical handling practice and could pose risk to children either

of their clients or themselves.

Only one (1No.) respondent was found that had cough and another catarrh as at the

time of the fieldwork.

Poor sanitation was observed in ten (10Nos.) workplaces with hair and food

utensils littering the environment.

Six (6Nos.) respondents were observed to also engage in sale of soft drinks which is

not convenient with the occupation.

There was presence of cooking equipment (plates, spoons and cups) in seven 7

(Nos.) workplaces.

Seven (7Nos.) respondents had little children in attendance at their workplace;

exposure to chemical products can constitute risk to the growth and development of

these children. An aggressive respondent in Mushin LGA had a set of 3months old

twins in her workplace with poor ventilation, very stuffy and dusty outside. She also

was engaged in sale of carton of bottled drinks.

33

Poor food handling was also reported among seven (7Nos.) respondents such as,

placing exposed food items inside hair wash basins as well as eating and drinking in

shops when work was on-going.

In Ikorodu LGA, one respondent was observed making use of dye on a client’s hair

without using hand gloves.

Other risk factors identified were people sleeping, pregnant woman sitting and poor

electrical fitting at workplaces.

food items kept in head wash basin

Sales of bottled drinks at beauty care shops Food items kept inside head wash basin

34

Table 30: Observational checklist response

S/

N

Observation item No of respondents

1 Absence of disposal bin at workplace 5

2. Presence of uncovered chemical use 12

3. Use of chemical products without labels 6

4. Not having hand washing equipment 8

5. Containers of chemical product loitering the workplace 9

6. Poor housekeeping practices (litters of hair, attachment) 10

7. Sales of food products 6

8. Presence of cooking equipment 7

9. Presence of children at workplace 7

10. Poor food handling practices 7

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Twenty-nine (29 Nos.) respondents were sampled from barbing salons and beauty shops

across 20 local government areas in Lagos State. The respondents showed inadequate

knowledge of the chemical toxicity and health effects of the products they use. More than

half of the sampled salons were poorly ventilated. Respiratory, reproductive and

neurotoxic effects of the chemical products were reported by the respondent. Very high

proportion of respondents reported non-usage of safety devices especially head cover,

body wear, and nose mask. The respondents who disposed their waste materials through

the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) were almost six times those that

35

made use of dumpsite. A larger proportion of respondents disposed waste water in public

drainages. There was a significant relationship between the years of experience and

perception of health effects. The observational checklist revealed a list of the harmful

substances as well as unwholesome practices and scenes backed-up with relevant

photographs. Generally, there was poor housekeeping practices among the respondents

which cut across, chemical handling, waste management and safety practices.

5.1 Recommendations

The following are recommended to avert the health issues that could result from beauty

salon chemical products use:

1. Legal framework to regulate the profession and its practitioners has to be put in

place.

2. Producers of cosmetic products should publish adequate information on the health

and safety measures required in handling and use of their products.

3. Regular training and capacity building of salon owners, workers and sector

stakeholders on occupational health and safety practices. A national training is

recommended.

4. Media publicity should be made available through various platforms like the

television, radio, street electronic billboards, social media etc. Urgent need for

national awareness programme with zonal public enlightenment campaign

5. Employers of salon workers should grant them adequate time off the job such as off

duty, leave and shift to reduce their exposure.

6. Government should regulate the influx of cosmetics and salon products into the

nation so as ensure they are free of toxic ingredients.

7. Comprehensive epidemiological research should be encouraged to generate

adequate information on effects of toxic ingredients in chemical products and more

eco-friendly alternatives should be encouraged. A comprehensive nationwide

survey is recommended.

8. There is need for continuous enlightenment on chemical toxicity that is adaptable to

the level education of the apprentice.

36

APPENDIX 1

Bibliography

1. Scranton, Alexandra. (November 2014). Beauty and Its Beast: Unmasking the Impacts of

Toxic Chemicals on Salon Workers.Women’s Voices for the Earth.

2. Halliday-Bell. J.A.; Gissler, M.; Jaakkola, J. Work as a hairdresser and cosmetologist and

adverse pregnancy outcomes. Occup. Med. 2009, 59, 180-184.

37

3. Galliote, M.P.; Kohler, P.; Mussi G.; Gattas, G.J. Assessment of occupational genotoxic risk

among Brazilian hairdressers. Ann. Occup. Hyg. 2008, 52, 645-651.

4. Czene, K.; Tiikkaja, S.; Hemminki, K. Cancer risks in hairdressers: assessment of

carcinogenicity of hair dyes and gels. Int. J. Cancer. 2003, 105, 108-112.

5. LoSasso, G.L.; Rapport, L.J.; Axelrod, B.N.; Whitman, R.D. Neurocognitive sequelae of

exposure to organic solvents and (meth) acrylates among nail-studio technicians.

Neuropsychiatry Neuropsychol. Behav. Neurol. 2002, 15, 44-55.

6. Quach, T, et al. “A Preliminary Survey of Vietnamese Nail Salon Workers in Alameda Country,

7. California.” Journal of Community Health. (2008); 33: 336343.

8. Gorman A, O’Connor P. (February 2007). Glossed Over: Health Hazards Associated with Toxic

Exposures in Nail Salons. Missoula, MT: Women’s Voices for the Earth. Retrieved from:

http://www.womensvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Glossed_Over.pdf

9. ChemHAT.org – Chemical Hazard and Alternatives Toolbox Retrieved from:

http://www.chemhat.org/chemical/cmg10535/phthalates

APPENDIX 2: Photo gallery

38

Use of dye without hand gloves (Ikorodu) A respondent posing with her apron An apprentice with her child at work

39

NASHCO Presidents Dr. Ishoka with SRADev work team, Team checking cosmetic label at a respondent’s workplace

Linking Ajah from Ikorodu by boat A respondent at Ojo using a house frontage (without confinement)

Some students took to playing games after been sent from school in a barbers shop

APPENDIX 3: QUESTIONNAIRE

CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME ON SAFE COSMETICS USE FOR OCCUPATIONAL WORKERS

IN SALONS AND BEAUTY PARLOURS IN NIGERIA

Dear respondent,

This set of questionnaire was formulated to generate information on safe cosmetics use for occupational workers in salons and beauty parlors in Nigeria. It is therefore crucial to answer correctly. All responses will be kept confidential. This means that your interview responses will only be shared with research team members and we will ensure that any information we include in our report does not identify you as the respondent.

Thank you.

40

a. Personal information

1. Location

2. Age

3. Sex: Male Female

4. Marital status: Single Married DivorcedWidow

5. Number of children:

6. Educational background: Primary Secondary Tertiary No

formal education

7. Occupation

8. Religion: Christainity Islam Traditional Others

9. Tribe: Yoruba Igbo Hausa Others

10. What is your average monthly income:

b. Occupational History

11. How long have you been working in beauty/barbing salon:

1-5yrs 6-10yrs above 10yrs

12. How long do you averagely stay at workplace daily: < 8hours 8 hours > 8 hours

13. How didyou learn the occupation: Apprenticeship From relatives and friends

14. How many non - customers do you haveat your work place: 1-5 ( ) 6-10 ( ) >10 ( )

15. How many customers do you averagely attend to per day

16.. How many customers can you attend to at once:

c. Chemical Exposure, waste disposal and health effects

17. Do you make use of chemicals in your daily activities? Yes No

41

18. What activities are these chemicals used for? Relaxing hair dying hair washing

disinfection treating hairvarnishing nail treatmentglues

19. Are these chemical harmful if it get to your body system? Yes No

20. If yes, list the harmful chemical(s) commonly use in your occupation

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

21. Where do you buy your chemical products? Open market Supermaket from

hawker Anywhere available

22. Do you read the label before buying? Yes No

23. What do you look out for on labels? (Tick more than one if necessary) constituents of the

cosmetics Manufacture/ Expiry date Name of manufacturer country of

manufacture

24. If a product does not have label, would still buy it? Yes No

24. Why to question 23?

______________________________________________________________________________

_____

26. In what forms do the chemicals exist? (tick more than an option if necessary) aerosols liquids

solids

27. What are the probable route of exposure?(tick more than an option if necessary)mouthnostril

skin eye

28. How ventilated is your workplace? Poorly ventilatedfairly ventilated well ventilated

29. Do you notice any changes your body part and/or function now as compared to when you started

this job? Yes No

30 . What effect(s) does these chemical pose to your health?

Health effects Frequently Ocassionally Rarely

Headache

Nausea

42

Dizziness

Body ache

Difficulty in breathing

Catarrh

Cough

Asthma

Eye irritation

Skin irritation

Miscarriage

Abdominal pain

Depression

Memory loss

31. Do you reduce exposure levels to the chemicals used? Yes No

32. If yes, how do you reduce the levels of exposure? (Please tick more than an option when

necessary) Regular hand washing Use of Personal Protective Equipment keeping a

well ventilated working environment covering chemicals when not in use

33. What personal protective equipment do you use? Hand gloves safety head wear

safety body wear nose mask

34. What kind of waste do you generate? (Please tick more than an option when necessary)

Costmetics containers wash-offs body tissues (nail and hair)

35. How do you dispose off solid waste? (Please tick more than an option when necessary) through

LAWMA taken to dumpsite open burning in drainages

36. How do we dispose waste water? In drainages on the road septic tank

Thank you for your time

APPENDIX 4: Observational checklist

1. Number on non-customers present:

2. Number of customers present:

43

3. Identification of some toxic chemicals using codes: Dba ( ) Pda ( )

Gtc ( ) Ap ( ) Em ( ) Ac ( ) An ( )

Ba/Ea/Ia ( ) Ma ( ) Hg ( ) Hq ( )

4. Use of protective equipment: Hand glove ( ) Head gear ( ) Protective clothing ( )

Nose mask ( )

S/N Checked item Present Absent

5. Presence of waste disposal bin

6. Cross ventilation

7. Uncovered chemical product not in use

8. Chemical product without label

9. Hand washing equipment

10. Wash off from disposal of waste water

11. Used containers loitering the salon

Personal examination

12. Cough

13. Sneezing

14. Skin inflammation

15. Catarrh

16. General comment with relevant

picture

s______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Key

Dba: Dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride Pda: P-phenylenediamine Gtc: glycerol

thioglycolate Ap: Ammonium per sulfate Em: Ethyl methacrylate Ac: Acetone

An: acetonitrile Ba: Butyl Acetate Ea: ethyl acetate Ia: Isopropyl acetate

Ma: Methacrylic acid Hg: Mercury Hq: Hydroquinone

44