Did you know that your nail salon is full of dangerous, disease causing chemicals? The Department of Toxic Substances Control released a report that said that many nail polishes have dangerous toxins that could harm both workers and customers in salons all over America. Specifically in California, one company was distributing dangerous polishes. When any nail solutions or polishes include toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde in the same bottle, the chemical created is harmful. It has been linked to developmental problems, asthma, and other illnesses which can debilitate workers or complicate their lives. Most often, these chemicals cause birth defects, so pregnant nail salon employees are at extreme risk when surrounded by these chemicals.
According to some research done by investigators, 10 out of 12 nail polishes which claim to be toluene free actually contain some of the chemical. One out of four of those products have dangerously high levels of toluene. Five of seven products that say that they are free of the “toxic three” actually included the agents at significant levels. Nail workers who spend their days exposed to these chemicals could end up in a very precarious position. Salons are often poorly ventilated, an issue which only heightens the danger of the exposure to the harmful substances.
If you work in a nail salon and are harmed by these substances, you may be able to get workers’ compensation for your medical treatment. Talk to lawyer at our firm if you have been forced to pay medical bills or spend money on treatments because of the conditions in your place of employment. Every employee should be safe from work-related harm and be able to receive financial help when it is necessary. Talk to someone today if you have been affected by the toxic trio in your nail salon!