Chemical risk in nail salons

In the beauty care sector in France, no fewer than 33,000 working days are lost per year, with an average of 81 days lost due to work accidents and 244 days due to occupational illness.

Nail salons use many products containing potentially dangerous chemicals. Some of the most common include:

1. Acrylates (methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, etc.) : present in UV gels and resins, they are very allergenic.

2. Formaldehyde : used in certain hardeners, it is a proven carcinogen.

3. Toluene : solvent in varnishes, it affects the central nervous system.

4. Acetone : used to remove nail polish or false nails, irritates the respiratory tract.

5. Phthalates (such as DBP) : plasticizers that are potentially endocrine disruptors.

6. Rosin : used in certain glues, very allergenic.

Modes of contamination:

• Respiratory tract : inhalation of vapors or dust (sanding gel nails).

• Cutaneous route : direct contact with the skin, often through splashes or prolonged use without suitable gloves.

• Eye : Accidental splashes.

• Digestive tract : extremely rare, due to hand-mouth cross-contamination.

Pathologies caused:

• Allergic or irritant contact dermatitis (especially acrylates).

• Occupational asthma and respiratory disorders.

• Headaches, dizziness, cognitive disorders (toluene, acetone).

• Endocrine disorders and potential birth defects (phthalates).

• Carcinogenic risks (formaldehyde).

• Chronic irritation of the eyes, nose, throat.

Means of prevention and protection

• In conjunction with suppliers, choose the least dangerous products and follow the instructions for use.

  Some products can be hazardous to your health. Buy and use the safest products that comply with European regulations on cosmetics and chemicals. This helps reduce risks to your health and that of your employees. Indeed, some commercially available products, such as moisturizers, emollients, exfoliants, skincare products, varnishes, resins, solvents, nail polish removers, or disinfectants, can cause health problems for staff and even customers due to their repeated use. Their use can, in particular, cause allergies and respiratory problems.

• Install mechanical ventilation or ventilate the premises regularly.

  The air in your workplace may contain harmful vapors or dust. To prevent these risks, ensure proper ventilation of the premises and use ventilation devices. Certain pollutants may be present in the air in salons: these may be vapors emitted by the products used (nail polish, solvents, resin, etc.) or dust produced during nail sanding operations. To avoid breathing them and improve air quality, it is important to ventilate the salon, using general mechanical ventilation or, failing that, by regularly opening the French windows leading to the outside. If mechanical ventilation is used, be sure to regularly check that the ventilation and aeration devices are working properly and are in good condition. In particular, remember to change or clean the filters.

• Use work tables equipped with a device for extracting harmful vapors and dust.

  Favor the use of work tables equipped with an extraction device. The slots located under the area where clients place their hands capture harmful vapors and dust, thus preventing you from breathing them and allowing others to breathe them. The air drawn in through the slots must be filtered to trap particles and gases. This will prevent them from being re-emitted into the salon. The extraction device can also be connected directly to the premises' ventilation system. Note that surgical or paper masks do not protect against harmful vapors and dust and therefore do not eliminate the need for ventilation.

• Have disposable nitrile gloves, a mask, and safety goggles worn. Using gloves, safety goggles, and a mask reduces the risks associated with chemicals and viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Gloves increase the level of protection against the products used but also against germs that can be transmitted by customers. Splashes of dust or products in the eyes expose you to chemicals and germs. Wearing safety goggles prevents these splashes and protects the eyes. When working with resins or acrylic gels, in addition to suction and ventilation devices, it is currently recommended to wear an AP-type respiratory protection mask. For these masks to be effective, the filter cartridges must be changed regularly. Contact your equipment supplier to find out how often you should change them.

  

  
  

• Set strict hygiene rules.

  Nail work can expose you to the risk of contamination by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Proper preventive measures are essential.

  Only accept work on healthy nails! Do not accept work on hands with dermatological lesions (fungal infections, fungal infections, etc.). Cuts from instruments, minor bleeding that may occur during treatment, or filing or sanding could expose you to the risk of contamination.

  Set strict hygiene rules:

  - Use single-use materials as much as possible

  - Wear gloves

  And after each customer:

  - Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap

  - Disinfect or sterilize instruments

  - Clean the work table