What’s in the Air? Carbonaceous Aerosols in Beauty Salons

Abstract

This study assessed indoor and outdoor concentrations of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) associated with the PM2.5 fraction in nine beauty salons. Attention was given to identifying potential indoor sources of carbonaceous aerosols generated during cosmetic procedures. Carbon-containing particles may carry toxic compounds that can adversely affect the health of salon employees and customers, making their characterization important for occupational exposure assessment.

Methods

PM2.5 samples were collected simultaneously indoors and outdoors on quartz fiber filters and analyzed for OC and EC content using a Sunset Laboratory thermal-optical OC/EC analyzer. The investigated salons were categorized according to their primary activity into three groups: hairdressing (H1–H3), nail styling (N1–N3), and cosmetic treatment salons (C1–C3). All sampling sites were located within the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Area (southern Poland). Aerosol sampling was performed using Gilian 12 personal air sampling pumps equipped with PM2.5 cyclone separators.

Results

The PM2.5 concentration indoor outdoor ratios (I/O_ratio) ranged from 1.65 for site H1 to 10.4 for site C1, OC from 1.92 for H1 to 3.33 for C1, and EC ranged from 0.139 to 79.9 for H1 and N2 respectively. However, all the ratios were higher than 1 except EC at H1. A higher I/O_ratio for OC and EC than for PM indicates that the carbon in indoor environments is not only accumulation of outdoor air indoors but predominantly contribution of internal sources.

Conclusions

The results indicate the presence of numerous indoor air pollution sources. Their levels are determined by the technical conditions of the facilities, particularly the ventilation used and other room parameters. The high organic carbon content confirms its significant role in shaping indoor air quality. The results emphasize the need to improve measures to reduce pollutant emissions and conduct research into their sources and impact on the health of salon users.