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OSHA Safety Hazard Information Bulletin on the
Ozone Generating Hair Treatment Device - "Electronic Master"


December 14, 1992

MEMORANDUM FOR: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
THROUGH: LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs
FROM: PATRICIA K. CLARK
Director
Directorate of Technical Support
SUBJECT: Hazard Information Bulletin on the Ozone Generating Hair Treatment Device - "Electronic Master"

The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard Information Bulletins (HIBs) in accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 2.65 to provide relevant information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood health hazards, inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques, and safety engineering controls. HIBs are initiated based on information provided by the field staff, studies, reports and concerns expressed by safety and health professionals, employers, and the public. Information is compiled based on a thorough evaluation of available facts, literature and in coordination with appropriate parties.

The purpose of this bulletin is to alert field personnel to a potential health hazard associated with the use of a hair treatment device used in the hairdressing industry. The device, "Electronic Master," is distributed by A.B.C. Distributors of Edmonton, Canada, and generates ozone (by means of an ultraviolet light source) for the sole purpose of catalyzing the chemicals placed on the hair. Hairdressers use the "Electronic Master" in performing dyeing, bleaching, perking and straightening of the hair.

This device, as reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, generates ozone at measured levels of 0.25 to 1.04 parts per million during the operation cycle. The measurements, however, were made under the hood and do not represent an exposure sample. Although OSHA does not have information on personal air sampling data, this machine has the potential of generating an atmosphere in the operator's breathing zone that could exceed OSHA's PELs of 0.1 ppm TWA and 0.3 ppm STEL. These airborne limits, it should be noted, are designed to substantially reduce the significant risks of pulmonary dysfunction that exists as a result of acute or chronic intermittent exposure to ozone.