A trip to the manicure salon is a joy for many individuals. Filing, shaping, and painting hundreds of nails per week is an occupational hazard for nail professionals. Most individuals are aware that nail salon chemicals, such as and nail adhesive, can be hazardous. However, nail dust might be just as dangerous. So, what exactly are the dangers of nail dust in the manicure industry? What can nail salons do to protect their employees? Let us investigate.

1. The assassin who cannot be seen

Filing and shaping nails, whether by hand or with a drill machine, generates a great deal of dust. It has the potential to coat equipment, workplaces, clothes, and even clients, which is not a nice appearance. More significantly, it is harmful to your health. Acrylic from the nails, dried glue or paint particles, human skin, and even bacteria or fungus (depending on the customer’s health) can all be found in nail dust. Would you like to take it all in?

Inhaling this dust via the nose and throat might result in allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and other problems. The true threat, though, is the unseen dust. Human vision can see down to around 10 microns, which is about the thickness of a human hair. However, most nail dust is far smaller than this. It is so little that it can enter the lungs and disrupt their function.

As a result, many nail technicians are more likely to acquire lung problems, such as occupational asthma or even cancer. Nail dust can also get into your eyes and cause blisters and irritations. Furthermore, it can aggravate pre-existing health disorders such as eczema. So, what can nail salon and nail bar personnel do to help?

2. Employee health and safety are flawless.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations are a set of regulations that require all employers to safeguard their employees against dangerous substances at work. Employers can prevent or decrease their employees’ exposure to hazardous substances by conducting risk assessments, ensuring appropriate health-protection measures are in place, and planning for emergencies.

Nail salons can assist in worker safety by providing certain safety equipment. This should contain gloves and masks for protection. Nitrile gloves, rather than latex or vinyl, are recommended by public health officials because they protect workers against chemical exposure. Face masks, such as the N95 mask, should also be used by nail technicians. Unlike paper masks, these filter the smallest particles and protect against toxins.

It is also critical for nail bars to have adequate ventilation. Employers should provide an extractor hood or a down draught table for nail work, as well as open windows to guarantee adequate ventilation. To safeguard their eyes, nail technicians should also use safety eyewear.

Unfortunately, nail technicians put their health at danger every time they go to work, whether it’s due to exposure to dust, chemicals, or even customers who are sick or infected. So, the next time you go for manicure or pedicure, have a peek around to see if the staff is wearing the proper safety equipment. If they aren’t using gloves and masks and the windows are all shut, it could be worth going to another salon.