Nail salons use a variety of products that may contain potentially harmful chemicals, which can affect the health of workers and clients. It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. Here are some details on nail salon products:

Products used in nail salons:

• Nail enamels and hardeners may contain formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) .
• Nail polish removers and solvents may contain acetone, toluene, and methyl ethyl ketone, which are extremely volatile and flammable.
• Nail tips and wraps are glued with a solvent-based acrylic nail adhesive and may contain cyanoacrylate adhesives.
• Acrylic and gel nail systems use a liquid monomer and powder polymer that may contain methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), or benzoyl peroxide as a hardener.

Ingredients of concern commonly found in professional salon products:

• Methyl methacrylate: Skin sensitizer, lung irritant, asthma, and cancer.
• Polyethylmethacrylate: Skin sensitizer.
• Polymethylmethacrylate: Skin sensitizer.
• 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate: Skin sensitizer.
• 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate: Skin sensitizer.
• Methyl ethyl ketone: Potential reproductive harm.
• N,N-Dimethyl-p-toluidine (Dimethyltolylamine): Cancer.
• Ethyl cyanoacrylate: Skin sensitizer.
• O-phenylphenol: Cancer.
• Naphtha (petroleum): Eye irritant, skin irritant, and kidney damage.
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (“quats”): Asthma, skin sensitizer, and potential reproductive harm.

Positive aspects of nail salon products:

• Nail products sold in the United States must be safe for consumers when used according to directions on the label, or in the usual or customary way.

Negative aspects of nail salon products:

• Many nail products contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed.
• Nail salon workers may be ...