Occupational Risk in Cosmetology: Fetal and Reproductive Abnormalities

Abstract

Background: Chemical exposure to phthalates, toluene, xylene, formaldehyde and dimethylamine, in the field of cosmetology introduces the risk of developing reproductive disorders and fetal abnormalities. Women account for a significant proportion of licensed cosmetologists in the field, and the majority of women enter the cosmetic workforce during childbearing years. Objective: The available literature was reviewed to identify an association between occupational exposure in cosmetology and reproductive disorders. These include, but are not limited to, spontaneous abortions, maternal and neonatal health afflictions, congenital malformations, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: A four-step structured literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar: locating and identifying relevant English articles; screening articles corresponding to inclusion and exclusion criteria; assessing the full article for inclusion and exclusion criteria; detailed examination of 13 articles. A broad database search was conducted on articles published between 2000-2017, in the English language, using the following terms: “human,” “cosmetologist,” “infertility,” “reproductive,” “occupation,” and “chemicals.” Results: Based on the assessment of the literature, there were variable associations between reproductive disorders and cosmetologists. In total, thirteen studies investigated the relationship between occupational cosmetology and adverse reproductive outcomes. Findings of eight studies indicated an increased risk of spontaneous abortion, fetal death, low-neonatal birth weight, preterm delivery, infertility, and/or maternal health problems. Five of the studies suggested no increased risk of menstrual cycle abnormalities, infertility, and/or congenital malformations. Conclusions: There is a weak association between reproductive disorders and the occupation of cosmetology. Further prospective investigation of working as a cosmetologist and developing reproductive abnormalities is recommended.