Which chemical is associated with occupational asthma in hairdressers?

Prepare for the ACAAI Board Exam. Utilize flashcards and comprehensive multiple-choice questions, equipped with hints and detailed explanations. Ace your allergy and clinical immunology exam efficiently.

Occupational asthma in hairdressers is predominantly associated with persulfate salts. These chemicals are widely used in hair bleaching and coloring products, and they can act as strong irritants and allergens when inhaled. The process of mixing these chemicals often produces airborne particles that can be inhaled, leading to respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, characteristic of asthma.

Persulfate salts can trigger asthmatic episodes due to their ability to sensitize the airways, making them a significant concern in the beauty salon environment. Awareness of these risks is crucial for both hairdressers and employers to implement appropriate safety measures, such as adequate ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment.

While other chemicals listed, such as ammonia and formaldehyde, can also have harmful effects and contribute to respiratory issues, they are typically more associated with irritation rather than the specific sensitization and prevalence of asthma linked to persulfate salts in this occupational setting.

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