Pollution Prevention
Practices for Nail Salons
A Guide to Protect the Health
of Nail Salon Workers and
their Working Environment
\
906F04001
-------
For more information please contact:
Lisa Pham
EPA Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
(2i4)665-<8326
ToIMtee (68$) $84^2478 (extension 58326)
pham.iisa@epa.gov
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region 6
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
Office of Administration and Resource Management
EPA906-F-04-001
May 2004
-------
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This Guide was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 6,
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, and Office of Administration and
Resource Management through contract 68-W-02-024 with ERG.
Much of our work could not have happened without the vital partnership we
established with our pilot shops, other federal, state, local government agencies,
and many individuals and organizations from the Asian-American communities
in Houston, Texas. We are also grateful to our peer reviewers who had provided
their valuable assistance to the content of this document. We sincerely thank all
of these individuals and organizations for the incredible resources they provided
and for continuing to inspire our efforts and motivate our work.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Design for the Environment Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - White House Initiative on Asian Americans
and Pacific Islanders
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Environmental Justice
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Regions 3, 5, and 9
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Texas Cosmetology Commission
Texas Department of Health
City of Houston
Center for Research on Minority Health at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson
Cancer Center
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - School of Public Health
Asian American Health Coalition
Nails for You Training Academy
Pioneer Valley Project
Saigon Houston Radio
Vietnamese American Community Health Network
Vietnamese American Physicians Group in Arlington, Texas
-------
INTRODUCTION
Nail salon products may contain many potentially harmful chemi-
cals that can be a major cause of occupational asthma as well as
other health and environmental concerns. Nail salon workers,
often times, are new immigrants and not aware of the risks with
chemicals in nail products that they are using every day. As requested by
the Asian-American community in Houston, Texas, EPA Region 6, in col-
laboration with the Design for the Environment program, is partnering with
nail salons to investigate and improve health and environmental practices.
To make shop owners and employees more aware of the day-to-day health
and environmental concerns that they face, this Guide provides information
on chemicals that are typically found in nail salon products and their poten-
tial health effects. It also explains various types of important information a
Material Data Safety Sheet contains that shop owners and employees should
know. Finally, this Guide recommends many better shop practices that a
salon should consider adopting to reduce or minimize potential health and
environmental effects inside the shop.
-------
NAIL SALON CHEMICALS AND THEIR POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Nail salons use many products that contain a variety of chemicals,
such as solvents, hardeners, fragrances and drying/curing agents,
that may be hazardous to workers, customers, and the environment
if not used or disposed of properly.
Many chemicals present in nail products are very volatile; they will evaporate
into the air at room temperature where nail technicians and customers may
breathe them. In addition, nail technicians and customers may also breathe
in dust that is produced when filing artificial nails. This dust may contain
harmful substances such as glues, benzoyl peroxide, silica and methacrylate
polymers.
The table on the next page summarizes chemicals typically found in nail care
products and their potential health effects.
-------
Potential Health Effects of Chemicals Present in Nail Care Products
CHEMICAL
USAGE
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS*
Acetonitrile
fingernail glue remover
irritation to eyes, skin, nose, and throat, chest pain,
vomiting, muscle contraction, weakness,
exhaustion, near or total unconsciousness, liver and
kidney damage in animals
Benzoyl peroxide
powder-acrylic
artificial nails
irritation to eyes, skin, nose, mouth, throat, and
lungs, skin rash
sec-Butyl acetate
nail polish
irritation to eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat,
headache, drowsiness, confusion and/or haziness
Butyl methacrylate
liquid-acrylicand
porcelain artificial nails
irritation to eyes, skin, nose, mouth, throat, and
lungs, skin rash, loss of appetite, inability to sleep
and concentrate, depression, asthma
Di-n-butylphthalate
nail polish, nail hardener,
nail base, nail top coat,
nail thickener
irritation to eyes, mouth, nose, throat, and
stomach, reproductive hazard
Ethyl cyanoacrylate
fingernail glue
irritation to eyes, skin, nose, throat, skin rash from
prolonged contact, asthma
-------
Potential Health Effects of Chemicals Present in Nail Care Products
CHEMICAL
athyl
jnethatrylate
•/ 1
Formaldehyde
Fiberglass
Hydroquinone
>JsobutyI
mefhacrylate
Methacrylic acid
4-methoxyphenol
Methyl ethyl
ketone
Methyl
.methacrylate; '
Neoprene
\NitrocelluIose \
Titanium dioxide
Toluene
\
USAGE
liquid - acrylic and
porcelain artificial nails
nail polish,
nail hardener
fabric overlay - v
artificial natts
primer - acrylic and
porcelain artificial nails
liquid -.acrylic artificial
nails
primer - acrylic and
porcelain artificial nails
liquid &, primer -
acrylic artificial nails
primer - acrylic
artificial nails
liquid - acrylic and
porcelain artificial nails
fingernail glue
nail polish
nail polish, powder -
acrylic artificial nails
nail polish, fingernail
glue
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS*
irritation to eyes; skin, nose, mouth, throat, loss of
appetite, inability to sieep, depression, skin rash,
asthma
might cause cancer to workers, irritation to eyes,
nose, throat, and lungs, runny eyes, cough
Irritation to eyes* skin, nose, and throat; breathing
difficulty ' -
irritation and inflammation to eyes, skin, and the
cornea, central nervous system excitement, colored
urine, nausea, dizziness, suffocation, rapid
breathing, muscle contraction, excitement,
unconsciousness, skin rash
irritation to eyes, skln> nose, mouth, throat, and
lungs, skin rash, high concentrations can Cause loss
of appetite, inability to sieep, depression, asthma
irritation to eyes, skin, and nose, burning of eye
and skin, asthma
irritation to eyes, skin, nose, and,throat, burning
of eye and skin, ioss of appetite, inability to sieep
irritation to eyes, skin, and nose, headache,
dizziness, vomiting, skin rash
irritation to eyes, skin, nose, and throat, skin rash,
asthma ;
skin rash
heart rate elevation, clumsiness, nausea, vomiting
might cause cancer to workers, permanent
scarring of the lungs
irritation to eyes and nose, weakness," exhaustion,
confusion, dizziness, headache, pupiis dilation,
teary eyes, anxiety, muscie fatigue, inability to
sleep, feelings of numbness, burning, skin rash,
liver and kidney damage
* Depending on conditions of exposure which may be reduced by the use of personal protective
equipment such as mask, gloves, etc. See the References in the back of this Guide for sources cited.
-------
LIQUID METHYL METHACRYLAIE (MMA) MONOMER
• Liquid MMA monomer was a commonly used ingredient in artificial nail
products for many years
• Liquid MMA monomer is a chemical substance that evaporates easily and
bonds strongly with the nail
• Liquid MMA monomer may cause damage to the nail bed, permanent
loss of the nail plate, and loss of sensation in the fingertips of customers
and technicians
• Liquid MMA monomer may cause exposed people to develop an allergic
reaction after repeated exposure
• Testing done on animals that had been exposed to liquid MMA monomer
suggests that liquid MMA monomer may cause permanent damage to the
respiratory system and to the liver from long-term exposure.
• In the early 1970s, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received a
number of personal injury complaints associated with the use of fingernail
extenders containing liquid MMA monomer. After investigations and
discussions with medical experts, the FDA concluded that liquid MMA
monomer was a poisonous and harmful substance that should not be used
in fingernail preparations. Court rulings resulted in legal action against one
firm, as well as several seizure actions and voluntary recalls to remove
products containing 100 percent liquid MMA monomer from the market-
place.
• Across the United States, 30 states have restricted or banned the use of
liquid MMA monomer
• Unlike liquid MMA monomer, powder MMA polymers are comparatively
safe because they do not readily evaporate or penetrate the skin
-------
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
What is a MSDS?
• A very important document that explains the risks, precautions, and
response actions related to exposure to a particular hazardous chemical,
both during normal work shifts and in emergency situations. A sample
MSDS is shown on the next page.
Why is it important to keep MSDSs in your shop?
• The law requires that MSDSs must be kept in a nail salon
• Keep MSDSs in your shop to ensure that all employees:
- Are aware of the dangers posed from hazardous chemicals stored in the
salon
- Know how to respond in an emergency or overexposure
- Know how to dispose of hazardous waste properly
- Know what protective equipment (e.g., masks, gloves) should be worn
when working with a chemical
What should nail salon technicians do with MSDS?
• Review and understand the content of MSDS
• Know where they are kept in the salon
What should nail salon owners do with MSDS?
• Ask for the most up-to-date version of the MSDS every time nail products
are purchased. Pay particular attention to those chemicals listed on pages
4 and 5
• Keep a binder that has MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals stored and used
in the salon
• Store MSDSs in a location accessible to employees
• Inform employees where MSDSs are stored
• Provide training for reading and interpreting the MSDSs
• Read MSDSs to know what kind of protective equipment (e.g., masks,
gloves) should be purchased for employees
How can you get copies of MSDSs for your shop?
• From your nail products suppliers. By law, your suppliers must provide
you with a copy of an MSDS for each product that contains hazardous
chemicals when you request one.
• From the manufacturer of the product. Call the phone number provided
on the label of the product container or log on to the product
manufacturer's Web site to fill out your request.
-------
Chemical
name can be
found here
This section explains
what may cause the
chemical to catch fire
and how to put out fire
This section explains
the health hazards
and symptoms
workers may have if
they have been
overexposed
This section explains
how to clean up spills
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Manufacturer's name and address
Emergency phone number —^—
Call this number in
case of an emergency
Lists hazardous components and exposure limits
Physical state (gas, liquid, or solid), boiling point, freezing point, vapor pressure, specific gravity
Flash point, extinguishing media, special fire fighting procedures, unusual fire and explosion hazards
Stability, incompatibility, hazardous decomposition or by-products
Routes of entry/exposure
Health Hazards
Carcinogenicity ^^^^^^—
sect,on indicates ,f this cnemica|
Signs and symptoms of exposure
Medical conditions generally aggravated by exposure
This section lists illnesses that can be worse if exposed to this chemical
J
Emergency and First Aid Procedures n
.Steps to be taken in case material is released or spilled
Waste disposal methods < ^^——
Precautions to be taken in handling and storing
This section explains what to do in an emergency
This section describes
how to dispose of this
chemical properly
Respiratory protection
Ventilation requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
This section describes the proper
personal protective equipment
(e.g., gloves) to wear and
ventilation requirements when
using this chemical
-------
BEST SHOP PRACTICES
The following best shop practices were developed in col-
laboration with actual shops and project partners. They are
recommended to reduce or minimize the environmental
and human health risks from the exposure to potentially
hazardous chemicals present in nail care products. Since
state and local requirements may be mandated that differ from any
of these recommendations, contact your local Cosmetology Board
and/or your state Health Department for more information.
To Minimize Breathing In Chemicals
* Install a local exhaust ventilation system - The general heating,
ventilating and air-conditioning system (HVAC) only dilutes a
small percentage of the air inside the shop. A nail salon should
have one or a combination of the following to capture vapors and
dust, and to exchange indoor air with fresh air from outside the
building:
- ventilated table with dust and charcoal filters
- ceiling-mounted exhaust vent
- wall-mounted exhaust vent
• Install free standing air purifiers at work tables
• Turn the general ventilation system (HVAC) on during work hours
• Replace charcoal and dust filters regularly and according to the
manufacturer's directions
• Keep the top of the ventilated table clear of obstructions
• Close nail care product containers when not in use
• Get only the amount of chemicals needed per application
• Keep chemicals in smaller-sized glass (or nalgene) bottles at the
work table
• Transfer nail care products from large containers to smaller
containers - Perform this task in a well-ventilated area, such as
outside or near an open window or door, and wear an organic
vapor cartridge respirator.
• Place a trash bin, preferably metal, with a secure lid at each
station
• Keep trash bins completely covered at all times
• Place waste soaked with chemicals in a sealed container (e.g., a
used plastic milk jug or resealable bag) before disposing it in a
closed-lid trash bin
Wall-mounted exhaust vent located
near nail care workstation
Individual charcoal air purifiers
located at each nail care workstation
-------
• Change trash bin liners at least daily
• Wear dust mask recommended in the MSDS when working on
customers to prevent inhaling particles
To Minimize Skin Exposure
• Wash hands before and after working on each customer,
before eating, and after handling chemicals and using the
bathroom
• Wear gloves recommended in the MSDS when handling nail
care products and working on customer
• Replace gloves immediately if there are signs of cuts, tears or holes
• Wear long-sleeved clothing
• Keep containers closed when not in use
• Get only the amount of chemicals needed per application
• Keep chemicals in smaller size glass (or nalgene) bottles at the work table
to reduce the risk of spills and potential skin exposure
• Transfer nail care products from large containers to smaller containers
• Wear gloves recommended in the MSDS, eye protection or an organic
vapor cartridge respirator and use a funnel to avoid spills while transferring
products to smaller containers
To Prevent Accidentally Swallowing Chemicals
• Wash hands before eating and drinking
• Do not eat or drink at the work table
• Do not keep/store food and drink around work area
• Store nail care products in a separate area away from food and the eating
area
• Designate a dining area far from chemical
storage and work area
To Ensure Adequate Sanitation
It is important to keep your shop clean.
Germs and bacteria can be transferred
between customers from dirty nail
implements and other supplies used in your
shop.
• Use a new towel for each customer
-------
• Wash hands before and after each customer
• Clean and sterilize nail care instruments after each use
* Follow your state Cosmetology Board's instructions on proper sanitation
techniques. It is best to sterilize instruments in an
autoclave or totally immerse them in an EPA-
registered tuberculocidal disinfectant for at least 10
minutes. Less than 10 minutes will not be
sufficient for disinfection and instruments should
not be used.
• Use disposable implements on only one customer
• Use a new pair of gloves for each customer
• Store nail implements of customers in separate
containers
• Do not use sharp instruments to shave calluses. These devices can cause
injuries requiring medical attention and have been banned by most state
Cosmetology Boards
Other Best Shop Practices
• Do not allow anyone to smoke in your shop because most chemicals
stored and used in nail salons are flammable
• Provide training on hazard communication (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200) and
the proper storage and handling of flammable liquids (OSHA 29 CFR
1910.106) to nail technicians as required by the U.S. Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Read and understand the state Cosmetology Board's Handbook
• Keep a copy of the most updated state Cosmetology Board's Handbook in
the shop
• Keep the latest version of the MSDS for each hazardous chemical stored
and used in the salon
• Keep all MSDSs in a binder and store this binder in the same place you
store your chemicals
• Read and understand the content of these MSDSs
• Ask nail products suppliers for an MSDS every time nail products are
purchased
• Label all containers so that nail technicians can easily identify the contents
• Dispose of liquid waste according to instructions on the product label or
MSDS
-------
MASKS AND RESPIRATORS
Why should nail salon workers wear dust masks?
• To minimize breathing in particles
• Refer to page 9 for shop practices that will minimize breathing in vapors because
dust masks do not protect against vapors
When should nail salon workers wear dust masks?
* When working with nail powders
• When filing, shaping or buffing artificial nails
Why is it very important to wear the right kind of dust masks?
• Different kinds of masks provide different levels of protection
* One kind of mask will not protect workers from all chemicals used in nail shop
What kind of dust masks should nail salon workers wear?
• Dust masks approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH)
* Or refer to the MSDS for recommendation on the right kind of masks to wear
Why should nail salon workers wear respirators?
• To prevent breathing in potentially harmful chemical vapors
• Refer to page 9 for more shop practices that will minimize breathing in vapors
When should nail salon workers wear an organic vapor cartridge
respirator?
• When working with larger amounts of
solvents, such as when transferring chemicals
from large to smaller containers
Are there other requirements that
nail salon owners and workers must
be aware of when using respirators?
• The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) has the Respiratory
Protection standard that includes specific
requirements such as training, fit testing, care
and maintenance, and medical surveillance
that shop owners and workers may need to follow when workers wear respirators
• Contact OSHA at (202) 693-1888 or (800) 321-6742 for more information on the
requirements that apply to your shop or for a copy of the Respiratory Protection
standard (29 CFR 1910.134) and/or the Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR
1910.1200)
-------
GLOVES
Why should nail salon workers wear gloves?
• To prevent chemicals from damaging skin
• To prevent skin from absorbing harmful chemicals which may cause health
problems
Why do solvents cause more concerns than other nail salon
chemicals?
• Skin can easily and quickly absorb solvents
• Solvents damage skin making it easier for other chemicals to enter the
body
What kind of gloves should nail salon workers wear?
• Latex or vinyl gloves
• Nitrile gloves or other kind of gloves that provide more protection when
working with large amounts of solvents such as when transferring
chemicals from large to smaller containers
• Always refer to the MSDS for recommendation on the right kind of gloves
to wear
How do nail salon owners and workers find more informa-
tion about what kind of gloves to wear?
• Call the glove manufacturers and personal protective equipment
distributors. Their phone numbers are listed in the phone book. These
companies often offer technical advice and free samples
• Ask your shop's nail care products and personal protective equipment
vendors
-------
BEST SHOP PRACTICES CHECKLIST FOR OWNERS/MANAGERS
nM^^MMMBMM^BMM^M0MHaMgAaBMBaalBMM
LJ Post no smoking, no eating and no drinking signs in the shop's work area
LJ Post a sign near the shop's sink to remind workers to wash their hands before
and after each customer
LJ Post a step-by-step procedure on how to clean and sanitize nail instruments
near the shop's sink and in the shop's work area
LJ Install ventilated table(s) for your shop
_l Keep the general ventilation system (HVAC) on during work hours
D Change dust and/or charcoal filters regularly with manufacturer recommended
replacement parts
_l Place a trash bin (preferably metal) with secure lids at every work station
U Label all chemical containers properly
LI Purchase masks and gloves recommended in the MSDS for your technicians
LJ Do not buy any nail product containing 100 percent liquid methyl methacrylate
(MMA) monomer
LI Designate a chemical storage area far away from the dining area and equipped
with local exhaust ventilation
U Provide an adequately ventilated dining area for nail technicians, partitioned
from the shop's work area
LJ Designate a storage place for a binder of MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals in
the shop
LJ Ask for the most updated MSDS every time nail products are purchased
U Inform employees where MSDSs are kept
D Provide training required for reading and interpreting the MSDSs
LI Provide training on hazard communication and proper storage and handling of
flammable liquids to nail technicians as required by OSHA
Maintain a latest copy of the state Cosmetology Handbook
-------
BEST SHOP PRACTICES CHECKLIST FOR WORKERS
LJ Keep top of ventilated table clear of any obstruction
LJ Keep nail product bottles closed when not in use
LJ Get only the amount of chemicals needed per application
LJ Keep nail products in smaller-sized glass (or nalgene) bottles at work
table
LJ Keep trash bin completely covered at all times
LJ Place waste soaked with chemicals in a sealed container before
disposing them in the trash bin
LJ Wear mask and gloves recommended in the MSDS when handling
chemicals
LJ Wash hands before and after working on customers
i k
drinking and after handling chemicals
LJ Wash hands before eating and
LJ Wear long-sleeved clothing
LJ Do not eat, drink or store food at the work table
LJ Use a new towel and a new pair of gloves for each customer
LJ Use disposable nail implements on only one customer
LJ Clean and sterilize nail care instruments properly after each use
LJ Do not use sharp instruments to shave calluses
LJ Do not smoke in the shop
LJ Read and understand the content of MSDSs
LJ Know where to find MSDSs in the shop
LJ Dispose of liquid waste properly
1C
T
•*&
-------
REFERENCES
Potential Health Effects of Chemicals Present in Nail Care
Products
All health effects were obtained from:
\. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Pocket
Guide to Chemical Hazards; available at ww.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npg.html
2. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health {NIOSH}; Interna-
tional Chemical Safety Cards; available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/
nicstart.html
3. Hazardous Substance Data Bank; profiles available at toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/
4. California Department of Health Services, 1999. Artificial Fingernail
Products: A HESIS Guide to Chemical Exposures in the Nail Salon.
www.dhs.cahwnet.gov/ohb/hesis/artnails.htm. March 1999, Third
Internet printing.
Liquid Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Monomer
1. The Nail Manufacturing Council. Update for Nail Technicians.
www.americanbeautyassociation.org
Z Acrylic Nail Fact Sheet, Whatyou should know before you have your nails
done. www.beautvtech.CTm/artides/mmafeKfeheet.htm
3. California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetol-
ogy. Methyl Methacrylate Monomer (MMA) Fact Sheet. April 2002.
4 Bryson, Paul Ph.D. OPI. www.beautytech.com/nailtech/opi chem rpt.htm
S Moore, Booth. Pointing a Finger at Discount Nail Salons. LA Times. January 28,
2000.
6 Hill, Suzette. The MMA Controversy, www.beautvtech.com/nailtech/mma2.htm
7. Methyl Methacrvlate. www.epa.gov/ttnoatw 1 /hlthef/methvlme.htm Technology
Transfer Network. Office of AirQuality Planning and Standards. U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency. May 17,2001
8 Food and Drug Administration. Prohibited Ingredients and Related Safety Issues.
www.cfean.fcia.gov/-dms/cs-210.htm
-------
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Pham
EPA Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
(214)665-8326
Toll-free (888) 884-2478 (extension 58326)
pham .lisa@epa.gov
www.epa.gov/dfe/projects
-------
S-EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75202-2733
First Class Mail
Postage and Fees Paid
EPA Permit No. G-35
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
EPA 906-F-04-001
May 2004
Printed on paper containing at least 50 percent postconsumer recovered fiber.
------- |