The MELENA Study: Measurement of Exposures, Lung hEalth, and functioN in hAirdressers - PROJECT SUMMARY In the U.S., chronic respiratory diseases are a leading cause of death and disability. Occupational exposures substantially contribute to the burden of chronic lung diseases, resulting in >$10 billion in annual medical expenditures. To address this significant public health burden, there is a pressing need for early identification and mitigation of workplace risk factors, particularly in underrepresented groups experiencing elevated exposures to respiratory toxicants. Hairdressers are an understudied, at-risk population for whom respiratory health is a major concern. Over 700,000 U.S. hairdressers are exposed to chemicals which may impact lung health. Our pilot data show that hairdressers of color (Black and Latina) have twice the national asthma prevalence and that, compared to U.S. women, they have elevated exposures to mixtures of chemicals of concern, including phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Limited animal and in vivo studies report that the few phthalates and VOCs studied may affect epithelial cells leading to airway remodeling, have immunomodulatory and adjuvant properties, and may be linked to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, mechanisms underlying respiratory diseases. Still, no studies to date have conducted robust exposure characterization of these chemicals and assessed their role on the respiratory health of U.S. hairdressers, despite prevalent respiratory health concerns. The overarching goal of the Measurement of Exposures, Lung hEalth, and functioN in hAirdressers: The MELENA Study is to comprehensively assess personal and workplace behaviors and workplace exposures to phthalates and VOCs and elucidate their role on lung health. We will use robust exposure characterization approaches to identify opportunities for actionable interventions to mitigate occupational exposures and associated respiratory health risks. To this end, we will leverage our strong community partnerships and multidisciplinary team of experts to execute the following aims in a racially diverse cohort of hairdressers: (1) assess exposures to phthalates and VOCs and identify exposure risk drivers; (2) determine if exposure to phthalates and VOCs is associated with increased upper airway and systemic oxidative stress and inflammatory markers; and (3) determine if phthalates and VOCs are associated with worse lung function and respiratory symptoms. This will be the first study to comprehensively characterize exposures to phthalates and VOCs (individually and as mixtures using novel mixtures methods) and associated lung health risks among U.S. hairdressers. While work is a social determinant of health that can drive health inequities, it is often overlooked as an avenue for public health interventions. Thus, identifying modifiable workplace contributors in this population will provide key foundational evidence for disease prevention and control. Findings will have direct public health impact by informing effective interventions and federal policies to address exposures and protect vulnerable populations.
