Ann Arbor, MI — A free training program developed by a team of researchers is aimed at increasing nail salon workers’ knowledge of chemical safety on the job.
The 45-minute module was developed in cooperation with the University of Michigan, Texas A&M University and the Michigan Healthy Nail Salon Cooperative.
According to a Texas A&M press release, around 365,000 people in the United States work in nail salons, which exposes them to chemicals and airborne volatile organic compounds.
“These include known carcinogens such as formaldehyde and other harmful VOCs such as acetone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, isopropanol, toluene, methyl methacrylate and ethyl methacrylate – and the list goes on,” said Aurora Le from the Texas A&M School of Public Health. “These compounds are known to irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system; damage the liver and kidneys; and cause neurological deficits and adverse reproductive outcomes.”
Le added: “With limited English proficiency, these workers struggle to comprehend warning labels, existing training materials or Safety Data Sheets.”
Available in English and Vietnamese, the training focuses on five primary tasks performed by nail salon workers:
- Cleaning nails
- Applying and removing nail polish
- Applying and removing artificial nails
- Sanitizing and sterilizing equipment
- Handling and storing equipment
It also covers OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200), including labels and Safety Data Sheets.
