Beauty Doesn't Need to Be Pain - Citizen Scientist, amika, and Airthings Launch #CleanerAirHaircare to Assess Salon Air Quality Throughout New York and New Jersey

Citizen Scientist, amika, and Airthings are collaborating on the #CleanerAirHaircare initiative to evaluate indoor air quality and resulting potential health risks in salons across the amika network. The initiative will start with air quality testing in five salons throughout New York and New Jersey, focusing on VOCs, CO₂, and particulate matter, and raising awareness about occupational health risks in the beauty industry.

The #CleanerAirHaircare initiative aims to:

• Educate salon professionals and consumers about health risks associated with frequent exposure to chemicals in haircare products.
• Provide actionable solutions to minimize these risks, promoting safer work environments.
• Set a precedent for improved safety standards across the beauty industry.

As of May 2023, there are 294,840 hairdressers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists in the United States (BLS) regularly exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), high CO₂ levels, and particulate matter (PM_2.5). New York and New Jersey rank #3 and #6 respectively for states with the most hair professionals.

This study highlights often-overlooked aspects of occupational health in the beauty industry, including:

• VOCs from hairsprays, dyes, and chemical treatments, which can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and other long-term health effects such as reproductive issues.
• High CO₂ levels from poor ventilation and crowded spaces, leading to drowsiness, decreased cognitive function, and poor air quality.
• Particulate matter from hair clippings, styling products, and dust, which can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, potentially aggravating conditions like asthma.

Salons participating in the #CleanerAirHaircare initiative—by monitoring and improving air quality—will be featured on a searchable list of clean air providers through amika. This will encourage more salons to address this critical issue and empower consumers to make informed choices.

Jamie Richards, Head of ESG at amika, emphasizes: "At amika, our commitment to being the healthiest and most sustainable option drives us to address these hidden risks. By partnering with Citizen Scientist and Airthings, we're taking proactive steps to ensure a safer environment for everyone in the salon industry."

"Seeing CO₂, PM_2.5, and other levels rise on the monitor will inspire providers to explore new ways of enhancing air quality in their daily work," says Julianne Hogan-Smith, Co-founder & Executive Director of Citizen Scientist. "For consumers, choosing a Cleaner Air Haircare salon will encourage them to prioritize healthier environments in all areas of life. That is the power of citizen science."

JJ Baird, VP North America at Airthings, adds: "We're thrilled to be part of this journey to create healthier salon environments. With amika's leadership and commitment to safer beauty standards, we believe that combining our Airthings devices with the efforts of Citizen Scientist will help educate and empower both salon professionals and customers to prioritize cleaner air and healthier experiences."