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Nail salon staff and patrons exposed to dangerously high levels of hazardous chemicals

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French manicure. Manicure master drawing white varnish on the nail tip with a thin brush, close up

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

Nail bar customers and staff are exposed to dangerously high levels of hazardous chemicals, warns a new study.

The first assessment its kind among nail salon technicians in Canada found exposures for some chemicals up to 30 times higher relative to exposures in homes.

Researchers found that nail technicians in discount salons are exposed to several toxic substances widely used as plasticizers and flame retardants.

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The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, showed that exposure to some hazardous chemicals was higher among nail technicians than among electronic waste workers.

Co-author Professor Miriam Diamond, of the University of Toronto, said: “We were very surprised to find exposures for some chemicals up to 30 times higher among nail salon workers relative to exposures in homes, and up to 10 times higher than in e-waste handling facilities."

The study reported higher exposures of several phthalate plasticisers, which was expected given the use of those chemicals in personal care products.

One phthalate plasticiser, DEHP, which is not allowed for use in cosmetics under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, was found at low levels.

Prof Diamond said: “The finding of low exposure to the plasticiser DEHP is important – it shows the current regulations for this compound are working."

However, what was unexpected was the finding of some high levels of flame retardants that are not known to be used in personal care products.

Several of the chemicals studied have some restrictions on their use. However, most of the chemicals are not explicitly regulated in workplaces.

Prof Diamond said the chemicals have been associated with adverse health effects - including neurological and reproductive effects - with some evidence that in utero exposure may be important.

Co-author Dr. Victoria Arrandale, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, added: “Nail technicians have been raising concerns about the impact of their work on their bodies, including worries about reproductive, respiratory, skin and musculoskeletal health for many years now."

The research team urged governments and product manufacturers to make safer personal care products and safer spaces for workers and customers in the personal services sector.

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