● Quaternary ammonium compounds : These are mostly found in disinfectants and can irritate skin, nose and may cause asthma. ● Styrene : Styrene is used in hair extension and wig glue. This can cause vision problems, trouble concentrating and tiredness. Cancer is a potential long-term effect of styrene. ● Trichlorethylene : This is also found in hair extension and wig glue and can cause dizziness, headache, confusion, nausea, eye, and skin irritation. Potential long-term effects are liver damage, kidney damage, dermatitis, and double vision. ● P-phenylenediamine : This is used in hair dyes, and black henna colors. This can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. ● Ammonium persulfate : Hair bleach contains ammonium persulfate. This can cause eye, skin, and nose irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, asthma, and dermatitis. ● Ethyl Methacrylate : This chemical is found in artificial nails and may cause eye and skin irritation, rashes Air quality Research studies have been conducted on indoor air monitoring and quality in salons (Goldin, 2014). These studies research the hazardous chemicals in the air that salon workers and clients breathe. Both hair and nail salons use products that are made from chemicals that emit gas into the air of the salon. Even though the levels of the chemicals that are detected do not exceed the regulatory occupational health guidelines, many feel these guidelines are outdated and do not protect the workers’ health. The data from the air monitoring studies have routinely shown that the certain chemicals that are present in the salon are at disproportionately higher levels in salons than other workplaces (Scranton, 2014). Several air monitoring studies of hair salons have found elevated levels of ethanol, isopropanol, ammonia, toluene, and similar volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), as well as thioglycolates, persulfates Reduce exposure ● Ensure good ventilation and increased ventilation in the salon. ● Keep trash cans and their lids tightly closed. ● Use small amounts of the product when providing services. ● Wear nitrile gloves and protective clothing. ● Wash hands before and after use of any products. ● Salons should have a ceiling vent which should be turned on during working hours. Product substitutions and remedies ● Use products with the least amount of hazardous chemicals. ● Look for chemical free, acetone free and non-toxic products. ● Look for the “3 free.” These products are made without the toxic trio- Formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. ● Choose acid free chemicals. Some primers can be made without chemicals like methacrylic acid. They are labeled “acid free.” Safe work practices ● Make sure the safety data sheets (SDS) are available to workers. ● Use only the amount of product needed to perform each service. Don’t keep extra product at the workstation if possible.
on eyelids, face and neck, difficulty concentrating, coughing, shortness of breath and asthma. ● Acetonitrile : This is found in nail glue remover and may cause eye, skin and throat irritation, face flush, chest tightness and nausea. It also may cause weakness and exhaustion. ● Butyl/ethyl/isopropyl acetate : This is found in nail polish, nail polish remover and wig glue. They may cause eye, skin, and throat irritation, headaches, and dizziness. ● Methacrylic acid : This is used in nail primer and eyelash glue. This may cause skin burns, eye, nose, and throat irritation. Potential long-term effects can be kidney damage, dermatitis, and reproductive effects. ● Toluene : Toluene can be in nail polish and nail glue. Toluene can cause dry and cracked skin, headaches, dizziness, numbness, irritated eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It can also cause damage to the lung and kidneys and be harmful for unborn children during pregnancy. Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate are referred to as the toxic trio . and fragrance ingredients. In addition to the strong chemical odor, most of these chemicals cause irritation to the eyes, lungs and throat and lead to other health effects. Some studies have noted that during certain services in a hair salon such as perms, hair bleaching, and acrylic nails, the chemical levels have peaked. Nail salons have a different set of chemicals that are detected. These are components of nail products which are different than hair products. Studies of nail salons detect acetone, toluene, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and methyl methacrylate at high levels (Scranton, 2014). The quality of ventilation seems to make an impact on the monitoring levels. This is a key factor that better ventilated salons have lower levels. A study also found that nail salons that have tables with local exhaust ventilation technology can potentially reduce the hazardous exposure by 50%.
HOW TO REDUCE EXPOSURE
● Always keep the exhaust system and fan on. ● If the salon does not have an exhaust fan, keep the HVAC system during work hours. ● Open doors and windows. ● Place fans near doors and windows. Fans should pull the fresh air in at one end of the salon and push outside on the other end. ● Install nail tables with built in local exhaust fans. ● Use nail polish removers free of butyl acetate, methyl acetate, or ethyl acetate. ● Use nail polish thinners free of toluene or methyl ethyl ketone. ● Use hairsprays labeled as “low VOC formulas.” ● Use pump sprays rather than aerosols. ● Use hair straighteners free of formaldehyde or methylene glycol.
● Close bottles tightly when not in use so product does not spill or get into the air. ● Follow instructions for the safe way of disposing the used chemicals and containers. ● Use metal trash cans with tight lids to keep the fumes from getting into the air.
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Book Code: CIL0725
EliteLearning.com/Cosmetology
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