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The influence of hydrogen peroxide on the permeability of protective gloves to resorcinol in hairdressing
Author(s) -
Lind MarieLouise,
Johnsson Stina,
Lidén Carola,
Meding Birgitta,
Boman Anders
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.12296
Subject(s) - resorcinol , hydrogen peroxide , permeation , natural rubber , chemistry , medicine , organic chemistry , membrane , biochemistry
Summary Background Hairdressers are exposed to hair dye chemicals, for example resorcinol and hydrogen peroxide. Adequate skin protection is an important preventive measure against occupational skin disease. Objectives To examine whether hydrogen peroxide may cause deterioration of protective gloves. Methods Permeation of resorcinol through gloves of polyvinylchloride ( PVC ) (n = 8), natural rubber latex ( NRL ) (n = 5) and nitrile rubber ( NR ) (n = 5) was studied in a two‐compartment cell, with resorcinol as an indicator for hair dyes. The amount of resorcinol that had permeated was analysed with a high‐performance liquid chromatography instrument. Cumulative breakthrough time and permeation rate were compared for hydrogen peroxide‐pretreated and untreated gloves. Results The cumulative breakthrough time was > 1 hr but < 4 hr for all tested gloves. Pretreatment of PVC gloves resulted in a slightly decreased breakthrough time, and pretreatment of NRL gloves decreased the permeation rate. No change was recorded in NR gloves. Conclusions Treatment with hydrogen peroxide had a minor effect on permeation in the tested gloves. NR gloves provided the best protection. However, taking the allergy risk of rubber gloves into account, plastic gloves are recommended in hairdressing. PVC gloves may be used, but not for > 1 hr. Disposable gloves should never be reused, regardless of material.