Health Risk Assessment of Total Volatile Organic Compounds in Popular Hair Spray Products Used in Nigeria

Abstract

Hair spray products emit large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to human health and the environment. This study investigated the total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations and associated health risks of popular hair spray products in Nigeria. The TVOC concentration was determined by simulating an indoor environment using a mannequin in an empty room to mimic a real-life scenario. Ten popular hair spray products used in Nigeria were sprayed on the mannequin, and the TVOC concentration was quantified using an Aeroqual Series 200 Monitor (S-200). The chronic daily intake (CDI) from inhalation, ingestion, and dermal sources was estimated. The hazard quotient associated with inhaling VOCs was also calculated using risk assessment models developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The mass generation rate of the hair sprays varied from 0.24 to 1.34 g/s. TVOC levels ranged from 67400±15790 to 134900±17420 μg/m³ . The highest TVOC concentration was determined to be 134900±17420 μg/m³ from hair sprays, with the highest mass generation rate observed in an air mousse. The risk assessment results showed that ingestion accounted for 73% and 66% of the total CDI in adults and children, respectively. The average hazard index for all exposure pathways from inhalation was obtained to be 2.19×10⁵ and 1.57×10⁴ for children and adults, respectively, which is unacceptable. These findings enlighten consumers and regulatory bodies on the concentration of VOCs emitted from hair spray products in enclosed spaces, as well as health risks, and help plan mitigation strategies.

Keywords: Hairsprays, Hazard index, Indoor, TVOCs, USEPA