Introduction Eyelash extension is a beauty treatment established in recent years. The eyelash stylists apply eyelash extensions on natural lashes, using adhesives based on cyanoacrylates. Exposure to cyanoacrylates may cause asthma and eczema.

Objectives The main objective was to survey work-related respiratory symptoms and eczema among eyelash stylists in Sweden. Occupational exposure and use of personal protective equipment were also studied.

Methods Questionnaires with focus on work-related respiratory symptoms, eczema and occupational exposure conditions were sent to 656 eyelash stylists in the four largest cities of Sweden (Stockholm, Göteborg, Malmö and Uppsala). The participants were identified by an internet reservation site for eyelash extensions and by social media. The participation rate was 26% (169 respondents).

Results The main part of the respondents (74%) had been working as eyelash stylists for more than 2 years. 59% of them reported that they had respiratory symptoms and 15% that they had eczema (12-month prevalence). One third of the respondents had a colleague who had changed occupations due to respiratory symptoms or eczema. Almost 20% reported that they had customers who had had respiratory symptoms in association with lash extension and almost 10% stated that customers got eczema. Approximately 85% of the respondents reported that they used personal protective equipment, but more than 50% only used surgical masks that do not protect against acrylates. About 20% reported that they were using protective gloves at work.

Conclusion The survey shows that many eyelash stylists have respiratory symptoms and that some of them have eczema. The surgical masks most commonly used do not provide sufficient protection against acrylates present in the work environment of the eyelash stylists. In addition, the survey indicates that far too few eyelash stylists use protective gloves at work.