Groomers Lung Is Real.
Do you know the signs of Groomers Lung?
If you scissor, groom or clip animals, you will be inhaling hair and other particles. When animal hair is inhaled, the tiny hairs (which resemble wood splinters) and other harmful particles travel down into your lungs and stay there. In time this can inflame the lung and scar the airways, which can then progress into a chronic lung condition.
Every week we read of more groomers reporting their conditions, with some having to give up the role that they love, because of the hair absorption and how it stops them from working.
Did You Know!
Pet hair and dander that lay-in and around your work area to include your grooming table and bath, aren't the only culprits. Grooming products like sprays, shampoos, and even cleaning agents can release fine particles and chemicals into the air that contribute to respiratory and lung related issues.
Symptoms of Groomer's Lung
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They could affect you for the rest of your life.
Chronic cough
Inflammation of the airways
Chest pain
Lung related issues
Difficulty breathing
Groomers Lung takes place over a period of time and many groomers do not notice the gradual change. If you find you have a persistent cough that lasts for eight weeks, go and see your doctor. There is no known "cure", so that is why you should put into place preventative measures to ensure it never happens to you.
How to Stay Healthy: Tips for Preventing Groomer's Lung
Wear a Protective Mask
Always wear a high-quality protective mask designed to filter out fine particles that are floating in the air. Consider wearing gloves and goggles, especially when using products that release fumes or sprays.
#1. The Clipit Goggle and Face Shield is a great preventative shield against hair absorption. Not only does it help with eye protection, but it helps reduce breathing in the tiny hair particles that are floating around in the air. In conjunction we would recommend you wear a cotton mask underneath to be totally 100% protected.
The Clipit Goggle and Face Shield should be part of your work attire!
Regular Salon Cleaning
#2. Keep your salon and equipment clean and sanitised. Have you ever taken the time to check the plaque that builds up between the teeth on your clipper blades? The substance that looks like plaque that you get on your teeth, comes from coat dander, dead skin and substances that linger in the animals coat. It can house nasty viruses and is a clear sign that the clipper blades are badly maintained.
After every clip, thoroughly and properly clean your blades and equipment. For quick and easy sanitisation use Clipit Ice Care Spray. It is safe to be used on clipper blades, grooming equipment and work surfaces. This will ensure the safety of you and the animals that you clip.
Choose the Right Products!
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Opt for grooming products that are hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals. Products labeled as “low-dust” or “dust-free” are ideal. Always read labels and choose products that prioritise both the pet’s and the groomer’s health.
#3 Educate your clients about maintenance grooming.
If your clients never groom between appointments, that means there will be additional hair on your work surfaces, when that pet comes in for its 6-8 weekly groom. As a result that will make your job even harder. Take time to educate the client about maintenance between appointments, and maybe try and sell them a brush or comb.
This would definitely help with prevent Groomers Lung.
What to do if you show signs of Groomers Lung?
By taking preventative measures outlined in this article, your chances of getting Groomers Lung is reduced. Groomers Lung has only recently been talked about within the industry. There is still lots to do with grooming colleges in education, grooming seminars need to have it as a topic. Help spread the word, so more groomers get to know the symptoms.
But if you are a groomer and you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed, please get yourself checked out by your Doctor. It's best to address the symptoms sooner than later.