Health Hazards Associated with Toxic Exposure in Nail Salons

Publication Date: February 2007

Publisher:

Author(s): Philip OConnor; Alexandra Gorman

Research Area: Environment; Labor

Type: Report

Abstract:

It is well-known that nail salon products contain toxic chemicals, such as phthalates, toluene, formaldehyde, acetone, methylacrylates and other volatile organic compounds. The health effects of exposure to these chemicals on women day after day, particularly women of childbearing age, are not fully understood. Incredibly, despite the toxic nature of the chemicals, the potential for exposure in poorly ventilated workspaces, and the large population of women exposed, little epidemiological or occupational health research has been conducted on nail salon workers.