Whenever I walk by nail salons or hair salons in malls, I often wonder about the tremendous health risks associated with visiting these establishments.
You really can’t help wondering, especially based on the odor coming out of these places even when you are not directly inside of them or in front of them. I know personally I have a hard time walking by these places, let alone walking in.
These thoughts drove me to a deeper question and that was… it is one thing for the customer to frequent such establishments from time to time and become exposed to all the toxic fumes and chemicals, but what about the actual workers???
In this article, I will be explaining today’s most popular nail salons, the latest results to come out from a new survey from the Northern California Cancer Center and Asian Health Services of Oakland, customer health risks and finishing off by focusing on why we insist on paying to get sick.
Today’s Popular Nail Salons
In today’s North American society, nail salons are a dime a dozen! So naturally the market has become infiltrated by lower end salons, ones which charge $10 to $20 for manicures and pedicures as opposed to the more traditional price of $50. Now how is that possible?
It IS possible when you hire people who are usually refuges, can’t speak the language and come from poor countries, sometimes even “third world-like”.
Such is the case with the numerous Oriental, especially Vietnamese filled, nail salons, where the price is cheap, the service is usually good and the health effects are incalculable for both customer and worker – but especially the worker.
These lower end nail salons are today frequented by many men and women a like as they usually promote various services beyond just manicures. In them you will usually find, young Vietnamese or other Oriental girls, who work from morning till night, for minimum pay in a toxic environment!
Many of these young women are in their fertile years and have not even had their own babies yet and really have no say in the matter of their health. After all these are not the people who are going to be first in line to complain about their working conditions. They are often thrilled just to be in North America and have a job – that compared to some of their friends, may even seem very decent.
Some may argue that by supporting these establishments we are giving them a new opportunity in this country and money to survive. But how can you argue that when these women are acquiring all sorts of respiratory tract complications, never mind the cancers or the possible teratogenic effects to their unborn children?
Well finally someone decided to look deeper into this and investigate and the following survey presents the information gathered.
The Survey Results
According to a new survey from the Northern California Cancer Center and Asian Health Services of Oakland, the women who work in these nail salons suffer acute health effects from the chemicals that they work with each day.
This is the first survey of its kind as you can imagine the marginalized groups in our society do not get the same care and concern as the affluent, rich or famous groups. Aside from the fact that it is time to make this issue a national health concern not just for the workers but for the customers who use these services, it also begs the point of why are we allowed to use toxic products – period!
It is no surprise that there are health effects associated with nail chemicals as they have contained some of the worst toxins, especially where fumes are concerned since they were developed. And despite all the technology, no much has changed, so don’t go looking for “organic” or “natural” nail polish – you won’t find it. As Thu Quach, MPH, of the Northern California Cancer Center explained, “Nail care workers routinely handle products containing many potentially harmful compounds, some of which are carcinogens or have endocrine disrupting effects, yet are virtually unregulated.” Now how is that for the safety of our health?
Many toxic and potentially hazardous ingredients, including solvents, plasticizers, resins and acids, are commonly found in nail care products. The nail salon industry is recognized as one of the fastest growing in the United States. Of California’s more than 35,000 salons, the vast majority are owned or operated by Vietnamese women. In Canada the story is very similar.
The survey found that many of the women questioned reported having some health problems after they began working in the industry, particularly skin and eye irritation, breathing difficulties and headaches. And those are just the acute reports. What is happening inside of these women on a chronic or long term level, still remains to be seen. Unfortunately they are the first generation of workers who are the guinea pigs. So I would not be surprised to learn in the future that these women will have higher risks of cancers, fertility issues and other endocrine disruptions.
The best part of this study is that it is finally putting a spotlight on a situation that may otherwise have been overlooked for years since it deals with the minorities of our population. “Our findings highlight a critical need for further investigation into the breast cancer risk of nail salon workers, underscored by the workers’ routine use of carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, their prevalent health concerns about such chemicals, and their high level of acute health problems,” adds Thu Quach, MPH.
The full results of this survey are scheduled to appear in the October print issue of Journal of Community Health.
For more information, read this story from Women’s Voices for the Earth on the health risks related to Vietnamese nail salon workers that include some personal accounts and testimonies from some of these women.
Low-end versus High-end nail Salons
If you are wondering about the traditional higher end salons and their risk, there is a good reason why the low-end salons are getting so much attention and are at more risk.
In the higher-end salons, first and foremost the products used are of a much higher quality. And in some of these cases a better formulation translates to use of less-toxic chemicals.
In the lower-end salons, the cosmetics are as cheap as possible to keep the costs down. Therefore they can come from any source that will make them in the cheapest fashion possible, without any care or concern for health risks. After all a brand name label usually does have some sort of reputation to live up to.
For example, if you go to a higher-end salon for a typical French manicure or pedicure, it is done with nail polish by hand. If you get the same service at a lower-end salon, it is usually done as a spray on, which emits high amounts of toxic particulates into the air.
So if you are going to go ahead and feel that for whatever reason you absolutely have to have your nails done, I would suggest paying the extra cost and getting the less toxic treatment.
Personal Health Risks
Whether you are thinking of yourself or the workers, no body in today’s day and age should have to be subjected to these kinds of risks. And I know some may still argue that this is way better for these women than the lives they led back home. But how do two wrongs make a right?
On a personal note, you may also argue that your exposure to these chemicals is minimal compared to the women working there and so surely you will be fine. Well – to this we must always remember 2 things:
- You do not know what types of chemicals or mutations your body has a sensitivity or weakness to. Hence, one person may get multiple exposure doses and be fine, while another may end up with a cancer after only several exposures.
- These chemicals are just ONES of many that your body is subjected to on a daily basis in our world. So it would make more sense to minimize deliberate chemical exposure as much as possible to avoid cumulative toxic effects.
So Why Do You Need Your Nails Done?
A few articles ago I told you that I wear make up and introduced you to a company that deals with more natural and organic based makeup called FutureNatural. And yes, even though they do carry nail polish, I would still not buy it.
I do not and cannot remember the last time I wore nail polish or on a regular basis, never mind one that was colored. In fact I have never worn nail polish on a regular basis (hands or feet). People would always, and still do, tell me how nice my nails on my hands are…how white and how strong, etc. I am not surprised by this compliment and no it is not genetic. My nails are able to breathe regularly and do not get covered by toxins, so yes naturally they are going to be healthier overall.
I did try to use some clear nail polish on my toes in the summer and even had a French pedicure twice, but that was because I let society condition me into thinking that toe nails were “ugly” or “unsightly” and hence should be covered, especially for women. Well I am breaking out of that old conditioning and stopping with the toe nail polish too.
Are my toe nails perfect – no – and not even close to my hand nails as naturally they are covered up about 8 – 10 months out of the year. But I will invest more time into getting them to look healthier and tasteful naturally, not use a quick fix remedy for them.
So if there is one cosmetic that is the most toxic it would have to be the nail polish/nail polish remover combo. The fumes you generate from using these just inside of your homes should give you a clue to that. And will one time hurt – probably not. But think about regular and prolonged use over years. That may equate to some unexplained headaches, respiratory weaknesses and even worse cancers and endocrine disruptions. Remember – these products are not regulated and we are just starting to run tests as to their health and toxicity effects.
Hence to conclude, most of us want a nice and neat appearance, but we have to be aware also of the risks associated with that appearance if we attain it in a chemical way. So if you still think your nail polish is a must, try to think again and try to break out of society’s old conditioning as remember, they will not be the ones going through your pain and suffering should your health have to pay for it now or in the future.
*Photograph provided by mathatrk
About the author:Evita Ochel, B.Sc., B.Ed., CHN - is a certified holistic nutritionist, biologist, educator, writer, researcher and speaker in the areas of health, science and holistic wellness. She is a nutritional science expert and her teaching and writing focus on natural, wholesome, plant-based and organic nutrition to achieve optimal health and longevity. Learn more about Evita Ochel or Follow Evita Ochel on Twitter.
18 Comments to “Nail Salon Health Risks”
I like my feet and feel they look fine. Not once in 50+ years have I ever thought they were ugly. Maybe the training on this one passed by.
It really is amazing how many cancer causing agents there are floating around a modern society. What about when we go to the gas station to fill up our cars? Are we somehow in danger there?
Hi David, yeah it is pretty scary what is out there, but I do not get depressed or feel despair here. You just have to get educated on high risk vs low risk vs no risk products and situations and then make decisions based on that. That is why I am not too fond of the saying I hear from people when they learn this “Oh everything today is bad”, because that is just not true. We have just become too comfortable in others making the decisions for us and hence when we find out those decisions are bad products on the market, we are shocked.
To me it really isn’t that shocking anymore as our society has adopted the “each person for himself approach”. The companies care to make the cheapest and most attractive product and most of us care about buying the cheapest and most attractive product. What most of us do not consider is whether the companies are also thinking of our health and the answer is no. So hence the consumer has to follow up on their own. Many do not like this…I am not sure why? Because personally I like making decisions for myself and not giving the power to someone else whom I really cannot trust as their interests are different from mine.
So as to your question: yes gasoline is very toxic to the human body whether it is the fumes themselves or the liquid should it become ingested. That is one of the main reasons back in the 80′s I believe they removed all leaded gas and now it is all unleaded. Not that this makes it safe, it just makes it a little less toxic both for us and the environment. However, because the nozzle ensures that the gas goes straight from the machine into our car’s tank there is very little direct exposure to us, so generally speaking it is a low risk case scenario. It would be a different story for a gas station worker who pumps gas for people all their life and/or someone who is subjected to regular spills and fumes.
It is funny because I get comments from a lot of teenagers on how they love pulling up to the gas station as they love the smell of gasoline…well that is unfortunately not something you want to be inhaling deeply.
[...] off with two articles to empower you where your health is concerned; the first entitled “Nail Salon Health Risks” and the second being a special health report on the supplement MonaVie and how you really [...]
I have been in the beauty industry for over 20 years. I am now suffering badly from the side effects of my job. I am so happy to know that some awareness is been brought out on how toxic a working environment that can be.
My mission is to continue to bring awareness to all and provide alternative solutions. Its a wonderful industry that i still love and am dedicated to doing something to make it safer and healthier.
Hi Anesta
I am sorry to hear that your health is today paying the price for the lack of awareness or even safety guidelines in the cosmetic industry. As women, we can put on a lot of chemicals on ourselves in our lifetimes, but it is obvious that anyone working directly on a day to day basis with various cosmetic and hair chemicals, would pay the ultimate price.
And you are right, it can be a great industry, if it can be made safer. There are more natural products, and we could all benefit from them, as well as our environment.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I’m sorry to hear that these nail shop workers are putting their health at risk in exchange for their wealth. I know quite a few workers in the industry that are making $4000-$5000 a month plus tips and no tax. I am not saying all are like so, but the majority. I was even confide that these people understand the risk behind it all, but the amount of income they bring home cannot be compared to if they were to work elsewhere. It is their own personal choice for short term gain.
Hi Kimberly,
That is an interesting point to bring up. It is unfortunate that often times in our society money negates other factors like health or the environment. But you are so right, we each have choices, we each make choices, and we also must respect each person’s journey. The worst part is those people are are making choices based on not knowing or not understanding the whole story, this is where education and various forms of inspiration are important to continue to awaken us further to the bigger picture of it all.
Thank you so much for your comment!
I can’t even begin to explain how happy I am to have stumbled upon this site !
May I share a link to my book Nail Care Nightmares ; the TRUTH Behind the Beauty
Http://shop.nailtrainerhand.com/NCN.aspx
I would LOVE to help in every way I can to continue to bring awareness to this issue !
Hi Lisa
Thank you and yes, the more awareness the better. We are making ourselves sick, both the customers and those doing the work for what? Artificial beauty?
More of us today have no interest whatsoever in visiting a nail salon, and keeping this toxic operation running. Our nails are beautiful in their natural state. Our diet—a healthy, natural, whole food diet—makes sure they are strong and white. What more can a person want…. No one needs to suffer to make that happen.
I disagree about the prices of nail salons. Twenty dollars is what almost every nail salon is charging now-a-days. Just because it’s twenty dollars doesn’t mean that its a low end nail salon. I go to this amazing lady and she’s spot on and only charges twenty-one plus tip. Fifty dollars is ridiculous. Of course this is just my opinion and it all depends of where you live. But thanks for this article! I’m citing you as one of my sources for my research paper. I argued that the technicians should offer the clients a mask. :] Thank you.
Hi Irinia,
Thank you and good points. Different salons have a variation of pricing these days indeed.
And your idea about being offered a mask is brilliant! I hope that does get adopted by salons for the sake of all those who wish to visit them. And if not, your idea brings more awareness to customers themselves bringing their own mask and being more accountable for their own health and safety.
I grew up in a Vietnamese neighborhood and these folks are laughing all the way to the bank. They can make over 80K a year in a high end salon. They know what they are getting into. Asian culture places a lot of emphasis on making money.
I warned them about the chemicals. They don’t care.
Hi Jason
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This is such a common problem in our society that so many people are blinded by money and convenience, and do not prioritize that what matters. But all we can do is share what we can, and let each person decide for themselves what they are interested in. It is hard in the end to watch people suffer, but we are each accountable for our own lives and creating them as we go.
came out of bathroom, went into bedroom and discovered that it smelled really bad…girlfriend had put on some nail polish…however, she claims that since she only put it on one finger that there can be no health risks…would love any imput on this….she implied that that as as long as its only a couple of nails, then there can be no risk.
Hi Jeremy
There is risk every time the bottle is opened. Sure one time won’t kill you, but the point of how chemicals cause us harm from things like nail polish is that it is NOT JUST about a “one time”, or “one nail…or a few nails” or “just nail polish”. We live in a society where chemicals are all around us and their effects compound. This is why many people use excuses and various justifications for why this one time or one little thing won’t hurt, but in today’s world it is the multiple exposure factor that makes each chemical exposure add chemicals to our bodies. So it is never a healthy choice.
I’ve been working in a nail salon since 2003. I’m an American born citizen trying to make ends meet by running a “low-end” nail salon for my parents. I’m glad I came across this article because it clarifies that no one knows any facts about the chemicals and it’s harmful effects that it’s causing my precious body and my unborn child. I go to work everyday concerned about my health and the others around me. In fact, the first 2 weeks working in a nail salon I came home with a bloody nose. I just can’t believe that there isn’t more research being done on these chemicals and side effects.
There is a job for everyone, whether they like it or not. You guys think that the people that work the salons don’t know that this is not healthy for them? Of course they do! Most of the ladies (elderly employees) tell me I shouldn’t be in this salon because I have an American education and I should be working in a better environment, hence the reason why I’m a student in college. This is all they have being that they are foreigners to this country limited on their ability to communicate with English speaking natives. Everyone that’s been to a salon knows how frustrating it can be to sit down with someone that can barely speak their language. How do you expect them to work at a customer service call center? Are you going to hire them?
Yeah, we can get caught up in the money. Who doesn’t? But they do it so their children don’t have to.
Hi Nguyener,
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback and personal experience.
At the end of the day it comes down to choices and what we are willing to live with. Each one of us lives with various perspectives of the world, and life and how we see it. From my perspective and experience there are choices for everyone, no matter how dire situations may seem. Often as you shared people get caught up in money and health or integrity or whatever the case may be, go by the wayside, or are simply not the priorities. I am not judging, don’t get me wrong. Everyone needs to choose what they feel is right for them. But for me, I choose to share and spread awareness about things that can make people’s lives better, safer and healthier, because then they can make better choices.