Renal Function Assessment of Workers Occupationally Exposed to Hair and Nail Care Products in Benin City, Edo State

Cosmetology is a profession with a population of mostly women, who are exposed to a myriad of chemicals of concern every day in their workplaces. Research shows that salon workers are at greater risk for certain health problems compared to other occupations. This study aims at evaluating the renal function of nails and hair care workers in Benin City who are exposed to cosmetic borne toxicants. Blood samples were collected from hair and nail care workers resident in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria for urea creatinine and electrolyte evaluation. Urea was analyzed by the urease-betherlot process, creatinine was analyzed using modified jaffe-slot technique, sodium and potassium ions were analyzed by flame emission spectrophotometry while chloride and bicarbonate ions were analyzed using Schales and Schales method and acid-base back titration respectively. Plasma levels of urea and creatinine was significantly higher in cosmetologist than heavy cosmetics users and cosmetic nave participants (p<0.000). Sodium and Chloride were also found to be reduced in cosmetologists than heavy cosmetics users and cosmetic naive participants (p<0.000). The results obtained from this study may be suggestive of renal damage. However, it is recommended that salon workers and salon owners should be enlightened so as to improve their awareness of the risks associated with the exposure toxic chemicals in hair and nail care products. And also further studies be carried out on a larger scale in order to further assert these claims.