Report on Working Women Shows High Health Hazards : Beauticians Found Facing Cancer Risk

The work that cosmetologists and hairdressers do may be hazardous to their health. The same goes for some other jobs performed mostly by women.

The health problems women face on the job was the subject of a report compiled by the National Commission on Working Women.

The study--”Caution: Your Work May be Hazardous to Your Health”--said that cosmetologists and hairdressers face a higher risk of some kinds of cancer.

“Beauticians suffer a higher incidence of breast and genital cancer and cancer of the digestive and respiratory system than the overall female population,” the report said.

Higher Toxemia Rates

“They also have higher rates of toxemia during pregnancy and suffer more miscarriages and premature deliveries.”

Cosmetologists and hairdressers cut, shampoo and color hair. They also give manicures, facials and scalp treatments. About 90% of them are women.

The health hazards inherent in their work, the report said, includes exposure to hazardous substances including the toxic chemicals in hair dyes.

Research has shown some ingredients in permanent and semi-permanent dyes--namely coal and tar--can cause cancer in laboratory animals, the report said.

Beauticians are also exposed to formaldehyde, which can cause skin diseases and is suspected of causing cancer.

It is used as a preservative in almost 1,000 different cosmetics, including shampoos. Formaldehyde fumes also are used to sterilize equipment in barber and beauty shops.

Sally Steenland, deputy director of the National Commission on Working Women, said the report studied the health hazards that women face in clerical, sales, service, factory or plant jobs.

She said many of the workers covered by the study are on the low end of the pay scale.

Short on Wages

“Many of them make only about 45 cents for every dollar a man makes doing similar work,” she said.

Other highlights from the report:

--Garment workers, cashiers, secretaries and food service workers risk developing carpal tunnel syndrome, an inflammatory disease affecting the hand, wrist and forearm. The disorder is caused by repeated, forceful flexing of the wrists. Meat wrappers, who are predominantly female, suffer from skin diseases and the risk of asthma.

--A National Academy of Sciences report last year said it has been established that working with video display terminals (VDTs) can be hazardous to workers’ health. Many clerical functions performed by women require using a VDT. Complaints of backache, eyestrain and general fatigue among operators of the nearly 10 million VDTs currently in the United States were found by the government study to be valid.

--Women in non-traditional jobs are exposed to health hazards stemming from a lack of properly designed protective equipment, clothing and tools. Respirators are now on the market that correctly fit the smaller faces of women; however, some companies still force their women workers to wear larger size respirators designed for men. The report said it is critical that women workers be provided with properly fitting safety equipment.

--Job-related stress is a special hazard, recognized as contributing to high blood pressure and other disorders. Besides physical working conditions, stress can come from low pay and having the triple role of wage-earner, homemaker and mother. The commission--a nonprofit public interest group--said little attention has been paid to working conditions in female occupations.