Health Hazards in Nail Salons

 Nail salons are often small enterprises that hire or contract skilled experts to give clients nail services such as nail filing and polishing, artificial nail application, and various hand- and foot-care treatments.

Nail technicians at salons around the United States confront potential health risks regularly. Chemicals in glues, polishes, removers, emollients and other salon products can cause asthma and other respiratory ailments, skin problems (e.g., allergic contact dermatitis), liver disease, reproductive loss, and cancer. Furthermore, employees sometimes suffer muscular injuries due to uncomfortable postures or repetitive motions. They are at a high risk of infection due to contact with the client's skin, nails, or blood.

OSHA's article "Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures: A Guide for Nail Salon Workers" also contains information on nail salon dangers and preventing illness and injury for workers.

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA and Wage and Hour Division provide a leaflet and wallet card with information on worker rights and health impacts.

This website provides vital information about these dangers and preventative measures that nail salon workers and employers may take.

Chemicals Used in Nail Salons

Nail paints, glues, and other materials used in nail salons may contain, among other things, the following chemicals:

• Toluene

• Formaldehyde

• Dibutyl Phthalate

• Methacrylate compounds

These chemicals can cause breathing issues, red, irritated eyes, dry, cracked skin, and other health concerns if proper safety precautions are not taken every day.

Muscle Strains Caused by Uncomfortable Body Positions and Repetitive Work

Working in specific positions or repeating the same activity exerts strain on a worker's body, resulting in aches and pains. These are sometimes referred to as "ergonomic" dangers.

Bending over a work table for an extended amount of time, resting hands, wrists, forearms, and elbows against hard surfaces or sharp edges of work tables, and utilizing repetitive actions such as filing and polishing nails can produce aches and pains.

Preventing Disease

If a nail salon worker comes into touch with diseased skin, nails, or blood from a coworker or customer, they may be exposed to biological dangers.

Hepatitis and AIDS are two diseases that may be contracted by contact with tainted blood. Clients can potentially transmit fungal illnesses to nail salon personnel, such as athlete's foot.

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