Nail salon workers have long endured the fumes that emanate from products used to make customers feel more beautiful.
Toxic chemicals in nail products such as dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde, otherwise known as the “toxic trio,” cause those fumes. All three are listed under the California State Cosmetics Act as agents that can lead to cancer or birth defects.
State and federal laws to regulate the cosmetic industry may be described as lax at best. Because the laws are so weak, companies can legally use chemicals that are known to cause serious health problems.
But San Francisco recently passed the Healthy Nail Salon Ordinance – the first in the country to help regulate the use of toxic chemicals in nail products. It’s a voluntary program that will publicly promote nail salons that use “green” or alternative products, which may positively impact many of the 200 salons and 1,800 nail technicians in San Francisco.
As a follow up to a radio program produced by Pauline Bartolone, The Toxic Truth About Nail Salons, for Making Contact, I will focus on the local ordinance taking the first step to regulate the nail salon industry.
Public health experts, nail worker advocates and political leaders have described San Francisco’s program as taking the carrot, versus the stick approach. They want to promote salons that proactively work to increase health and safety for their workers.
Many hope San Francisco’s historic measure is just the first step in regulating the industry as a whole. Local officials have received inquiries of interest from state legislators and federal agencies. But advocates acknowledge the struggle will be a long and tough one.
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