Persulfates allergy

About persulfates allergy

Persulfate salts, such as ammonium and potassium persulfate, are powerful oxidising agents used in hairdressing bleaches and lighteners and in some industrial processes. They are a well-recognised cause of occupational asthma and can also provoke skin reactions. Although they are small chemicals rather than proteins, repeated exposure can sensitise the airways and skin, so later contact triggers an allergic response. Hairdressers, barbers and salon staff who mix and apply powdered bleach are the group most commonly affected, particularly where dust is raised during mixing.

Sensitisation develops over repeated exposure, after which reactions can appear within minutes to hours. Airway symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, cough, chest tightness and wheeze, while skin contact can cause itching, redness, hives and dermatitis on the hands. A characteristic feature is that symptoms often ease on days off and during holidays and flare again on returning to work, which points to a workplace cause.

Diagnosis is usually arranged through occupational health, and may involve specific-IgE or skin testing along with lung-function measurements recorded at and away from work. Management focuses on reducing exposure: careful handling of powdered products to limit dust, using dust-reduced formulations where available, good ventilation, suitable gloves and skin care, and health surveillance. Confirmed occupational asthma is reportable under RIDDOR. Because continued exposure after sensitisation can cause lasting airway problems, early recognition and protective measures are important, especially for trainees.