Evaluation of Formaldehyde as a Potential Cause of Olfactory Dysfunction in Hairdressers

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the olfactory function between hairdressers exposed to formaldehyde and unexposed controls, as exposure to toxic agents is a potential cause of olfactory disorders in humans. Hairdressing professionals frequently encounter formaldehyde, a component found in hair products that are known to have various toxic effects on the human body, including alterations in the sense of smell. Methods: A total of 32 hairdressing volunteers exposed to formaldehyde and 32 non-exposed volunteers matched for age, sex, education and smoking status underwent the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT®). Results: The findings demonstrated a decrease in UPSIT® olfactory test scores and a higher degree of olfactory loss among hairdressers exposed to formaldehyde (mean UPSIT® scores: 30.6 vs 35.1, p Conclusion: Occupational exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde is associated with diminished olfactory function. Education approach and promotion of personal protective equipment usage should be encouraged.

Evaluation of Formaldehyde as a Potential Cause of Olfactory Dysfunction in Hairdressers

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the olfactory function between hairdressers exposed to formaldehyde and unexposed controls, as exposure to toxic agents is a potential cause of olfactory disorders in humans. Hairdressing professionals frequently encounter formaldehyde, a component found in hair products that are known to have various toxic effects on the human body, including alterations in the sense of smell. Methods: A total of 32 hairdressing volunteers exposed to formaldehyde and 32 non-exposed volunteers matched for age, sex, education and smoking status underwent the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT®). Results: The findings demonstrated a decrease in UPSIT® olfactory test scores and a higher degree of olfactory loss among hairdressers exposed to formaldehyde (mean UPSIT® scores: 30.6 vs 35.1, p Conclusion: Occupational exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde is associated with diminished olfactory function. Education approach and promotion of personal protective equipment usage should be encouraged.

新型冠状病毒肺炎患者的嗅觉障碍

新型冠状病毒肺炎(coronavirus disease 2019,COVID-19)是由严重急性呼吸综合征相关冠状病毒2(severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,SARS-CoV-2)引起的疾病。该疾病可能导致从轻度到严重的急性呼吸系统综合征。COVID-19的临床表现包括发热、干咳、乏力、咳痰、气短、咽喉痛、头痛等。伴随着COVID-19的大流行,世界各地的耳鼻咽喉科医师报道相当数量的COVID-19轻症或无症状患者出现嗅觉功能障碍。撰写本文的目的是回顾现有的文献和整理分析文献中COVID-19患者嗅觉减退的症状特点,并分析潜在机制和应对措施。对出现不明原因嗅觉减退的患者予以重视,以指导临床医师的实践。