Professionals in the care and decoration of the nail are exposed to highly toxic chemicals. The National Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health Security (ANSES) warns them.
Installation of classic or semi-permanent varnish, manicure treatments, installation of nail prostheses, etc. All of these services involve the use of chemicals responsible for health disorders. However, in nail shops and beauty salons, the means of protection are still pending.
Chemical compounds responsible for many health problems
Asthma, allergic dermatitis, headache… The chemical substances used for the care of the nail are responsible for skin conditions and respiratory and ENT disorders, the alert warns the National Food Safety Agency, environment, and Work (ANSES).
On the front line, nail technicians and estheticians are in contact with its substances all day long. According to the ANSES report, in more than half of the cases, respiratory problems (asthma among others) are attributed to acrylates and methacrylates.
Substances are very present in the air of nail care establishments. Sensitizing, irritating, or even neurotoxic (meth) acrylic monomers, which are used in the composition of the products used, are responsible for contact allergy dermatitis.
Nail care: ANSES recommends the use of non-toxic products
In order to reduce exposure to these substances, ANSES recommends that nail salon owners set up a suction table-type ventilation system and impose the wearing of gloves and protective masks against dust. Still according to ANSES, wearing a surgical mask certainly prevents the transmission of germs, but does not in any way constitute a barrier to breathing toxic substances.
Nail salon owners are also encouraged to use non-toxic substitute products whenever possible.
For products where the substitution of the dangerous agent would not be technically possible, ANSES recommends that manufacturers develop products or techniques with which the professional would not come into contact.
ANSES also recommends making compulsory a harmonized diploma training course for anyone required to exercise a nail prosthesis fitting activity, including a module on the prevention of professional risks and good work practices.
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