In the UK there is a growing body of research on the health effects of exposure to dusts and fumes in nail salons, level of awareness by salon staff of the dangers, and extent to which action has been taken to reduce those risks.

Investigation of 205 Salons: In 2008 the Health & Safety Executive  published RR623 - Occupational asthma, respiratory issues and dermatitis in hairdressers and nail bars. This was a research project invetigating 205 salons in the UK.  The main findings were...

♥  Only two fifths of salons understood COSHH assessments.

♥  Ventilated/downdraught tables were not widely used.

The tables below identify the primary chemcals used in nail treatments and varnishes, and the risk phrases associated with them.  In the UK nail salon owners are required to review COSHH (Controls of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations and carry out risk assessments to determine the level of risk faced by employees and measures that should be taken to reduce that risk.

For further information on regulations see the section on USEFUL LINKS and REGULATIONS on this website.

Despite Benzene (contained in some nail polishes
etc.) being banned in Europe andin the USA there is
evidence that some companies still use it.