Occupational Health Risks in Nail Salons

Nail salons represent a global industry employing millions, yet the occupational health implications are often underappreciated. Technicians routinely handle products containing solvents, plasticisers and monomers, which release chemical agents into the salon environment. Prolonged inhalation and dermal contact with volatile organic compounds can result in respiratory irritation, allergic dermatitis and systemic effects. Repeated exposure to phthalates and acrylate monomers has been associated with endocrine disruption and reproductive concerns. Moreover, inadequate ventilation can elevate concentrations of airborne particulates and vapours, compounding risks for both staff and clients. Emerging evidence also points to internal dose manifestations, including altered liver function markers and lipid profiles among long-term technicians. The diverse routes of exposure, coupled with variable salon practices and regulatory disparities across regions, underscore the need for multifaceted risk assessment. Interventions such as improved local exhaust systems, substitution of hazardous chemicals and routine health surveillance can mitigate adverse outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of exposure pathways, dose–response relationships and effective control measures is fundamental to safeguarding the health of nail salon workers worldwide.

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Occupational Health Risks in Nail Salons publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in occupational health risks in nail salons across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Volatile organic compound (VOC): Organic chemical that vapourises readily at room temperature, contributing to inhalation exposure risks.

Phthalate: Plasticiser used in nail products that may disrupt endocrine function upon chronic exposure.

Biomarker: Measurable biological indicator reflecting internal exposure or early effect of chemicals on physiological systems.

Indoor air quality: Characteristics of air within enclosed spaces, determined by chemical, physical and biological constituents.

References

1. Blood plasma levels of biomarkers of liver status and lipid profile among nail technicians occupationally exposed to low-level mixture of volatile organic compounds. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health (2020).
2. Evaluating Indoor Air Phthalates and Volatile Organic Compounds in Nail Salons in the Greater New York City Area: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022).
3. Occupational symptoms due to exposure to volatile organic compounds among female Vietnamese nail salon workers in Danang city. Journal of Occupational Health (2020).