Hairdressers - Mesothelioma Risks
Hairdressers are one of the many occupational groups who may be at a higher risk for cancer than the general population. Some of this risk may be attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos, which can lead to the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers.
The machinery hairdressers used often relied on heat to achieve the desired effect. Because high amounts of heat were generated by these machines, insulation was necessary to ensure that they were safe for use.
Prior to the 1980s, asbestos was commonly used as an insulating material because it was inexpensive and extremely heat-resistant. For many years, asbestos was considered the perfect material for use in high-temperature machinery that needed to be safe for close-proximity use.
Hood-style hairdryers contain a very high temperature from an electric heat source. These machines use forced air to help transfer moisture out of the hair follicles they dry. Some of these hoods were built with asbestos insulation. Many handheld hairdryers made by major retailers were also known to contain asbestos. Crocidolite asbestos fibers were used to prevent the main heating element from burning other components in the hairdryer.
In 1979, the Consumer Products Safety Commission issued a corrective action proposal to discontinue the use of asbestos in their products. Ten years later, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) phased out all new uses of asbestos (this ruling was later overturned). Many heated tools that were made prior to the regulations were still available for sale or used in salons where updated machinery had not yet been purchased.
While asbestos is not considered to be hazardous when it is encased, any damage to the asbestos-containing product can allow the fibers to be released into the air and inhaled by those nearby. Many portable hairdryer units are regularly bumped and jostled when they are moved or repositioned, causing brittle asbestos materials inside to be released.
Resources for Hairdressers
If you have been exposed to asbestos, discussing your history with a doctor who is familiar with asbestos-related diseases is recommended. If you would like assistance locating a qualified physician in your area, please contact the Mesothelioma Center’s Doctor Match Program.
If you have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are a number of resources available to help you understand your medical and legal options. For free literature specific to your personal diagnosis, please request an informational packet by filling out the form on this page. If you would like a complimentary copy of Lean on Me – Cancer Through a Carer’s Eyes, 100 Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma, Surviving Mesothelioma – Making Your Own Miracle or What to Eat if You Have Cancer, please request this literature here.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
