WHY IS VENTILATION IMPORTANT?

A 2016 New York State Department of Health review of the chemicals used in nail salons noted that “nail specialty work entails the use of many different products containing potentially dozens of different chemical ingredients that can change over time.”

The report also noted that about 30 chemicals or chemical categories appear to be commonly used in nail products, including: toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, acetone, acetonitrile, ethyl methacrylate, isopropyl acetate, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate (banned in many states), and quaternary ammonium compounds in disinfectants.

The New York State report found that, in the event of substantial exposure, many of the common chemicals used in nail products are associated with similar short-term effects such as:

· Headaches

· Dizziness

· Drowsiness

· irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system


Potential health effects from long-term exposure include:

· skin sensitization

· cancer

· kidney and liver disease

· other effects on the reproductive, developmental, and nervous systems

The risk of experiencing these health effects depends on a variety of factors, including the nature of the exposure and individual susceptibility. Employees and customers may be exposed to chemicals by inhaling vapors or dust, through vapor contact with eyes and mucous membranes, or via direct skin contact with the nail products.

VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS – CURRENT

Current International Mechanical Code (IMC)

Federal OSHA Requirement that all US nail salons must provide a work environment that is free from sensory irritation. 46 states currently follow these codes; 4 follow International Building Code.

State Board

It’s important to check with your state boards to get updated code information regarding ventilation as guidelines and timetables vary from state-to-state. Some codes are currently just applying to new construction or openings, however some include all nail salons.

For example, in New York, all nail salons are being required to make the necessary changes to meet the newest codes, as early as 2020. These include:

• Each manicure & pedicure station must have a source capture system.
• The inlets must be within 12" from the application area and must be capable of extracting air at 50 CFM (cubic feet per minute).
• The exhaust from the source capture system must be vented outside.
• Source capture systems must operate continuously during occupancy.

POSSIBLE NEW LEGISLATION

In April, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Ca, and Nevada Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto introduced The Environmental Justice Right to Know Act for discussion.

“If passed, their bill would direct the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to research ventilation in beauty salons and determine a healthy level of ventilation for workers. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences would be required to report to Congress on the long-term negative health effects of chemicals in beauty products. And the bill would require product manufacturers to provide safety information in multiple languages on their websites.” (ANNIE SCIACCA, The Mercury News, May 3, 2018)

ABOUT VENTILATION OPTIONS

When connected to an external HVAC system, toxins and odors are vented outside of the building. Select vendors are now offering ventilation to their pedicure chairs and manicure tables for the external HVAC.

Some vendors are providing options with manicure/pedicure carbon filters built into the chairs and tables.

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION!

We are a woman owned business with over 30 years of combined experience in the spa and salon industry. We focus on keeping a healthy work-life balance to ensure that we can focus 100% on our customers!