Emission factors and emission inventory of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from hair products application in hair salons in Beijing through measurement

Hair products application in hair salons is a potential VOCs emission source. 139 representative hair salons were inves-tigated and 88 hair products were sampled to establish VOC emission factors and emission inventory. VOC emission factors were 6.75 g/kg for shampoo, 43.55 g/kg for hair mask, 27.62 g/kg for hair oil, 52.44 g/kg for hair dye, 32.01 g/kg for perm cream, 54.08 g/kg for elastin, 156.40 g/kg for hair styling gel, 78.88 g/kg for hair clay, 70.25 g/kg for hair wax, and 447.88 g/kg for hair styling spray. VOC emissions from hair products application in hair salons in Beijing had increased from 362.77 tin 2011 to 393.40 tin 2020. Hair styling spray, hair dye, perm cream and hair mask were the four largest contributors to total emissions, together accounting for 93.68 %. The high VOC emissions and emission intensity mainly located in six central urban districts. The per capita VOC emissions were 0.018 kg VOCs/person/year in 2020. Projection indicates it can reduce VOC emissions by 9.72 % by 2030 com-pared with that in 2020 if the VOC content limit standard of hair products will be implemented, otherwise, VOC emis-sions keep raising, urgently needing VOC control measures in hair products application.

Automated summary

Hair products application in hair salons is a potential source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions. A study conducted on 139 representative hair salons and 88 hair products revealed the VOC emission factors for various products. The VOC emissions from hair products application in Beijing increased from 362.77 tons in 2011 to 393.40 tons in 2020. Hair styling spray, hair dye, perm cream, and hair mask were the major contributors to total emissions, accounting for 93.68% together. High VOC emissions were mainly concentrated in six central urban districts. The per capita VOC emissions in 2020 were 0.018 kg VOCs/person/year. Projections suggest that implementing VOC content limit standards for hair products could reduce VOC emissions by 9.72% by 2030 compared to 2020, emphasizing the need for VOC control measures in hair products application.