Download Where does hair and beauty Legislation exist?

Public Health in Hair and Beauty Salons
– Making it Gel
Jayne Jose, Meander Valley Council, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA
Introduction
Not many industries can boast a stake in every town around the world in quite the same way the
hair and beauty industry can. Consider the sheer numbers of hair and beauty services available
across the globe. Consider the public health attributes and infection potential of this industry.
What are the risks?
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Exposure of blood, skin tissue and mucous membranes
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Cancer from UV nail lights
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Wide range of various treatments offered in salons, examples: microdermabrasion, haircuts,
eyelash tinting and extensions, skin treatments, facials, make up, peels, exfoliation, callus
peels, tanning, solaria, spray tans, acrylic, shellac and gel nails, manicures, pedicures,
massage, electrolysis, waxing, shaving, plucking, depilatories, epilation, threading
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Bacterial: Staphylococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Streptococcus spp
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Fungal: Persistent, irritating, can lead to further complications but rarely life threatening e.g.
Tinea, Candida
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Viral: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Hepatitis C, Humanpapilloma virus (HPV), Herpes
Simplex
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Combination of all of the above - Streptococcus pyogenes and Herpes simplex from
Brazilian bikini waxing
Salons are the ideal environment for fungal growth (e.g. manicures, pedicures, spas, facials,
massages, waxing):
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Damaged, dry or moist skin
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Temperature changes
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pH imbalance
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Candida: moist skin folds, under breasts or groin
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Tinea pedis: common, contagious foot infection, from walking barefoot on surfaces or
sharing towels
Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
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Found in nail salons, creams, cleansing solutions, shampoo, make up
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Known to cause:
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Septicaemia (contaminated hand cream)
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Corneal ulceration of the eye (mascara applicators)
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Harm to infants
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Death
Case Study
Mycobacterium spp:
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Ubiquitous in soil, water and chlorinated municipal water supplies
Survive through interactions with protozoa in the formation of biofilms
Growth rate dependent on pH, temperature, nutrient availability
M. fortuitum: persistent, infectious, slow healing, boil-like skin and soft tissue lesions
M. chelonae: Eye infections
Non-responsive to mainstream antibiotics
4 - 6 months to heal, when correct antibiotics are used
Infection numbers increasing, possibly due to increased availability of pedicure foot baths
Isolated from tap water - significant risk for eyelash/eyebrow treatments, facials, pedicure
foot baths
100 cases of Mycobacterial furunculosis were reported in California from a pedicure footbath in
a beauty salon. Environmental sampling of the salon and screens behind suction inlets in foot
baths were shown to be highly contaminated with skin debris and hair. Microbiological
sampling undertaken revealed rapidly growing Mycobacterial spp, resulting in statewide
regulation changes through the California Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology.
(Abrams et al., 2002; Cooksey et al., 2004, Drage et al., 2009; Sneizek et al., 2003; Wertman et al.,
2011; Winthrop et al, 2004)
Who does it effect?
Salons are 'everyday' places, used regularly by a wide range of people and have potential to
directly effect the health of a community. Studies have shown that less attractive people earn
less than more attractive people (Schwer and Daneshvary, 2000), highlighting the importance of
the industry. In the same study, it was reported that the most important factor for clients
choosing a beauty salon was convenience, rather than public health or hygiene related
variables. This highlights the importance of giving clients the ability to make informed decisions
about salon selection, without compromising health or safety.
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Indiscriminate - healthy and unhealthy hosts
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Immunocompromised individuals (people with reduced immune systems)
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Neonates, elderly and vulnerable
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Young people (high prevalence of bodily waxing)
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Women taking contraceptive pill (increased risk of fungal infection)
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Females of childbearing age (majority of salon clients and workers)
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Some organisms are opportunistic towards an immunocompromised host:
Staphylococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Streptococcus spp
Occupational Health and Safety Risks:
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High risk of dermatitis (difficult to manage once dermatitis developed), wounds and
scarring)
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Ergonomic risks including long periods standing, awkward posture positions, physical
exertion
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Psychological stress
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Increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including Low-birth-weight, preterm
delivery, perinatal death, spontaneous abortion
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Exposure to 9000+ chemicals
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Solvent exposure (technicians and clients)
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Respiratory illness
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Indoor air quality: toluene, xylene, ester, ketones, formaldehyde, VOCs, CO2
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Higher risk of allergies and chemical related illness
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Salon workers covered by Workplace Health and Safety Legislation, but...
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Higher risk of allergic reactions if gloves are worn (especially smokers)
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Negligence towards personal hygiene procedures, sharps-related injuries
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Highlights need for conclusive regulations for clients and workers
Case Study
After finding a number of hospital patients with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infection in the hairline the hospitals’ hairdresser was investigated. The researchers tested
hairdressing equipment after a day’s usage, to find it positive for MRSA. MRSA is responsible for
extended hospital stays, which are costly and can be of high risk to immunocompromised
individuals. This shows the importance of appropriate hygiene practices in preventing disease
and infection.
(Ruddy et al. 2001)
Where does hair and beauty Legislation exist?
All Australian States except Tasmania and Western Australia and many other countries
throughout the world have legislation for Hair and Beauty salons.
Group Activity
Does your Country/ State have Legislation for hair and beauty salons?
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If so, what does it say?
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How is it applied?
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Is it effective?
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Why doesn’t Tasmania have legislation?
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Funding, time and other political/legislative priorities are barriers to the creation of
Legislation
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Literature (scholarly and otherwise) covers everything except public health
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Low awareness of public health risks
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Highlights necessity of education and public awareness
How can we do something about it?
Education, training and prevention are the best approaches, as concluded by many studies.
Lee and Nixon (2001) suggested education, training and prevention are the best approach in
managing occupational morbidity. This finding is a strong theme amongst many reports. Perry
(2001) suggests vigilance and good practice are key solutions in reducing numbers of such
illnesses.
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Regulations
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Guidelines
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Fact sheets
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Guidance
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Information sessions
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Course curriculum
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Awareness
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Town Planning
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Building Regulations
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Local Government By-Laws
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Policy
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Incentives
Contact Details
Jayne Jose
Environmental Health Officer
Meander Valley Council, Tasmania, Australia
[email protected]
With Special Thanks to: Meander Valley Council, Environmental Health Australia (Tasmania) Incorporated, Martin Gill,
Katie Proctor, Brent Jose, Sheryl Jose, Tim Spawton