Characterizing Occupational Health Risks and Chemical Exposures Among Asian Nail Salon Workers on the East Coast of the United States

Abstract

The products used in nail care services contain toxic chemicals. This study aimed to characterize occupational health risk factors and chemical exposures among Asian nail salon workers on the East Coast of the U.S. for informing the development of more effective, culturally appropriate interventions. We conducted a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study to characterize occupational health risks. A face-to-face, self-reported survey was performed, and personal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was evaluated. Three VOCs, acetone, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and toluene, were measured using 3M 3500 organic vapor monitors. We collected data on 112 workers with 100 personal chemical exposure measurements from 25 nail salons. Self-reported health problems that emerged or worsened after participants started working in the nail salon industry included headaches (8%); lightheadedness (9.8%); and irritation to the nose, eyes, throat, and skin (21.2%). Approximately 70% of participants reported that they had been pregnant, 11.7% of whom had at least one miscarriage. The mean concentrations of acetone, MMA, and toluene were 18.51 parts per million (ppm), 39.45 ppm, and 0.09 ppm, respectively. Mean concentrations of acetone and MMA measured from salons in New York City were significantly lower than those measured in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. CBPR proved to be as an efficient approach for recruiting hard-to-reach Asian immigrant nail salon workers. Adverse health symptoms and problems associated with providing nail salon services were identified in these workers. Further studies are needed to better understand the long-term health effects of chronic chemical exposures in nail salon environments.

Occupational symptoms due to exposure to volatile organic compounds among female Vietnamese nail salon workers in Danang city

“…All measured values were much lower than the occupational limits set by the OSHA or Vietnamese Ministry of Health without adjusting for the reduction factor for each worker. For example, the level of toluene was very low with a mean value of 0.09 ppm, similar to that reported in some studies in the United States 37 . Some countries have replaced toluene with safer alternatives.…”

“…For example, the level of toluene was very low with a mean value of 0.09 ppm, similar to that reported in some studies in the United States. 37 Some countries have replaced toluene with safer alternatives. In Vietnam, most of the nail products are imported from other countries, so the lower level of toluene can be understood.…”

Perceived work exposures and expressed intervention needs among Michigan nail salon workers

“…Chemical exposures are of chief concern as nail salon workers handle and utilize products that contain hazardous and carcinogenic compounds, such as the “Toxic Trio” of toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (Ford and Scott 2017 ; Huynh et al 2019 ; OSHA n.d.; Quach et al 2018 ; Shendell et al 2018 ). These and other chemicals utilized in nail salons have been connected to adverse human health outcomes such as respiratory and dermal irritation (e.g., allergy, asthma, contact dermatitis), endocrine and neurological consequences, and potentially cancer (Gorman and O’Connor 2007 ; Kwapniewski et al 2008 ; Ma et al 2019 ; Quach et al 2008 , 2013 , 2018 ; Shendell et al 2018 ). Furthermore, nail salon workers are susceptible to biological hazards as they have close contact with clients who may have cuts or breaks in the skin—leading to bloodborne pathogens exposures—or dermal contact with fungi (Sekula et al 2002 ; Yang et al 2014 ).…”

“…In addition to the aforementioned chemical and biological occupational risks, nail salon workers face ergonomic vulnerabilities (Huynh et al 2019 ; Shendell et al 2018 ). Prolonged sitting, awkward posturing, and frequent bending in nail salon work can result in back and neck pain and other musculoskeletal disorders among workers within this industry (Huynh et al 2019 ; Ma et al 2019 ; Shendell et al 2018 ).…”

“…It is estimated approximately 80% of the nail salon workforce are women and 80%% are immigrants, with more than half of those immigrants being of Vietnamese descent (UCLA Labor Center 2018 ). Working in this field can be appealing to those who are foreign-born because of the lower barriers and requirements for education/training and English fluency (Ford and Scott 2017 ; Huynh et al 2019 ; Ma et al 2019 ; UCLA Labor Center 2018 ). However, the language barrier in tandem with the lack of culturally-appropriate education, training, or occupational safety and health information available in languages besides English can result in additional or exacerbated occupational hazards (Huynh et al 2019 ; Quach et al 2018 ; Zhong et al 2019 ).…”