Table 4

Relation between intensity of work, work tasks and chemical exposure in 2008, and changes in FEV1 among current hairdressers between 2008 and 2013, Hebron, Palestine

Δ FEV1 (mL/year)
Occupational factors (n)Mean*Coefficient†95% CI
LowerUpper
Working years
 <4 (n=68)−220 (reference)
 ≥4 (n=65)−35−13−25−1
Working hours
 <5 (n=22)−210 (reference)
 5–7 (n=76)−34−13−30+3
 8–10 (n=35)−28−6−25+12
Customers (per week)
 <15 (n=28)−230 (reference)
 15–35 (n=77)−37−13−28+1
 >35 (n=28)−22+1−16+18
Bleaching (per week)
 <5 (n=83)−250 (reference)
 ≥5 (n=50)−36−10−22+1
Dyeing (per week)
 <7 (n=64)−320 (reference)
 ≥7 (n=69)−30+2−9+13
Mean NH3 (ppm)
 <25 (n=24)−350 (reference)
 ≥25 (n=5)−93−57−92−23
  • All occupational factors were measured in 2008 except NH3 which was measured in 2012–2013.

  • *Estimated annual decline of FEV1 (mL/year), adjusted for age, height and BMI.

  • †Difference in annual decline of FEV1 (mL/year) compared with the reference, adjusted for age, height and BMI.

  • BMI, body mass index; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 s; ppm, part per million.