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Assessing Acute Symptoms Related to Occupational Exposures Among Nail Salon Technicians
Derek G Shendell1, Judith M Graber, Lindsey J Milich
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers School of Public Health (SPH), The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (Dr Shendell and Dr Pratt); NJ Safe Schools Program-Center for School and Community-Based Research and Education, Rutgers SPH, Piscataway, New Jersey (Dr Shendell, Dr Graber, and Ms Milich); Exposure Measurement and Assessment Division, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (Dr Shendell); Department of Epidemiology, Rutgers SPH, Piscataway, New Jersey (Dr Graber and Ms Milich); Department of Clinical Research and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey (Dr Pratt).
Objective:
This cross-sectional field study evaluated potential associations between acute symptoms among nail technicians and exposure of chemical hazards in New Jersey salons.
Methods:
In 2016, an in-person safety and health survey was conducted. Data were gathered on symptoms, demographics, work history, tobacco use, area and/or task ventilation, use of personal protective equipment, and safety training. Workplace hazards were identified by observational survey during site visit walk-throughs.
Results:
Of the 68 respondents from 40 participating salons whose owners agreed to participate (35% salon-level participation), most were Asian females with a self-reported history of work-associated eye, nose, throat, and skin symptoms. Few workers used personal protective equipment. Most workers had not received training in their primary language.
Conclusions:
Nail salon workers need comprehensive chemical use training. More research is needed to determine extent of exposure.
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