● Methacrylic acid (nail primer): skin burns and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat; at higher concentrations, can cause difficulty breathing ● Methyl methacrylate (MMA; artificial nail products, though banned for use in many states): asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating; loss of smell. ● Quaternary ammonium compounds (disinfectants): irritated skin and nose; may cause asthma ● Toluene (nail polish, fingernail glue): dry or cracked skin; headaches, dizziness, and numbness; irritated eyes, nose, throat, and lungs; damage to liver and kidneys; and harm to unborn children during pregnancy. Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate are sometimes referred to as the “toxic trio.” more for chemicals that may cause cancer) or that could be released into the air above limits set by OSHA or the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The SDS explains the health risks of the product and lists precautions for worker protection. In general, the SDS must provide information about: ● Hazardous ingredients in the product ● How users can be exposed to the ingredients ● Health and safety risks to users when using the product ● Precautions for safely using and storing chemicals Employers should read each SDS and make sure they understand them. They must also make the SDSs available to their workers, such as nail technicians, in a place near the product so workers can conveniently access the information. Employers are also required to provide information and training to all workers who use the product about the chemical’s potential hazards and how to use the product safely. NIOSH laboratory tests indicate that exhaust ventilation systems may reduce worker chemical exposure in nail salons by at least 50%. These steps really help improve worker health: ● Let in fresh air, when possible, by opening doors and windows. If the salon has a ceiling vent, it should be turned on and working. ● Always keep the nail salon’s exhaust system on. ● If your salon does not have an exhaust system, always keep the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system on during work hours. The HVAC thermostat fan switch should always be in the “on” position (not “auto”) so that it runs even when the heat or air conditioner is off. The salon owner should have a HVAC contractor clean the HVAC system and replace the filters at least once a year. ● Install exhaust fans wherever possible. Place fans near open doors or windows. Fans should pull air in one end of the salon and push it out of the other end. ● If the salon has ventilated tables, make sure they are turned on. Also, change the charcoal filters at least once a month and clean out the catch basin at least once a week. ● Consider using portable ventilation machines to remove dust and chemicals directly from the work area.
● Dibutyl phthalate (DBP; nail polish): nausea and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat. Long-term exposures to high concentrations may cause other serious effects ● Ethyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover, fingernail glue): irritated eyes, stomach, skin, nose, mouth, and throat; high levels can cause fainting ● Ethyl methacrylate (EMA; artificial nail liquid): asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating; exposures while pregnant may affect the child ● Formaldehyde (nail polish, nail hardener): difficulty breathing, including coughing, asthma-like attacks, and wheezing; allergic reactions; irritated eyes, skin, and throat; can cause cancer ● Isopropyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover): sleepiness and irritated eyes, nose, and throat
Where to find information about the chemicals found in nail salon products Product information is available on packaging or in printed materials delivered with the product such as safety data sheets. Product labels At minimum, professional-use nail salon products must provide the following information: ● The name and address of the product manufacturer or distributor.
● An identity statement explaining the type and use of the product through use of name, descriptor, or illustration. ● Facts about the product, such as directions for safe use if a product could be unsafe if used incorrectly; and ● All necessary warning and caution statements. Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires product manufacturers to provide salon owners with a safety data sheet (SDS) for each product used in the salon that may contain a hazardous chemical at 1% or more (or at 0.1% or Steps to prevent exposures and protect worker health Employers and workers can take steps to protect health when working with products that contain potentially hazardous chemicals. Choose safer products and read about the products being used ● Whenever possible, use products with the least hazardous chemicals in them. ○ 3-free: Some products now claim to be made without the “toxic trio” (toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate). These products are called “3-free” products. ○ Acid free: Some primers claim to be made without chemicals like methacrylic acid. These are labeled “acid free.” ● For any product used in your salon, be aware of the health effects it may cause and how to prevent overexposure. ● Always read product labels and SDSs and follow manufacturers’ instructions when using all nail salon products, including those labeled as free of hazardous chemicals. SDSs may not contain all the information needed to adequately protect yourself; for instance, the manufacturer may state “wear impervious gloves” without specifying the type of glove material needed. Ventilate the room to remove chemicals in the air Ventilation is the best way to lower the level of chemicals in a salon!
Book Code: COH0326A
Page 19
EliteLearning.com/Cosmetology
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