Occupational Health Risks Associated with Inhalation Exposure to Ammonia and Safety Management Strategies in the Beauty Industry

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze occupational health risks associated with ammonia inha-lation exposure among beauty industry workers and to propose integrated safety management strategies. Alt-hough ammonia-based products are frequently used in small, enclosed beauty salons, systematic occupational health assessments remain insufficient. This study therefore examines the physiological effects of ammonia ex-posure and identifies practical control measures, including engineering controls and standardized operating pro-cedures(SOPs). Method: A comprehensive literature review and case analysis of epidemiological studies on ammonia expo-sure in the hairdressing industry were conducted. International safety standards from organizations such as AC-GIH and NIOSH were reviewed alongside toxicological data on respiratory and mucosal effects. In addition, cur-rent work-place practices in beauty salons were analyzed to identify gaps between existing guidelines and actual field conditions, particularly regarding ventilation and personal protective equipment. Results: The analysis indicated that chronic inhalation of ammonia in poorly ventilated environments is asso-ciated with respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function. While acute mucosal irri-tation is well documented, long-term exposure presents an elevated risk of occupational asthma among stylists. Many salons were found to lack localized exhaust ventilation and adequate chemical-resistant protective equip-ment, under-scoring deficiencies in current safety practices. Conclusion: Mitigating ammonia exposure in the beauty industry requires an integrated approach combining engineering controls, worker education, and institutionalized safety policies. The implementation of localized exhaust ventilation(LEV) and clear SOPs is essential for reducing inhalation risks. Regular safety training to im-prove hazard awareness is also critical. These measures provide a foundational framework for promoting sus-tainable and healthy working environments in the beauty industry.