San Francisco and EPA work to regulate toxins used in nail salons

Unknown to many, nail salons have long been a dangerous place of employment because of the many toxic chemicals that are used in manicures and pedicures. People who work in nail salons and are exposed to the chemicals for several hours a day have reported illnesses due to the chemicals. Now, San Francisco is developing guidelines for its nail salons to protect workers from toxic chemicals.

Known as the toxic trio, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde are chemicals that are used in nail polishes for top and base coats. While not illegal, they are listed in the Material Safety Data Sheet as chemicals that could cause birth defects and cancer. The San Francisco regulations are working to remove the toxic trio from nail salons across the city.

Already, over half of the nail salons in San Francisco have switched to toxin-free nail polishes. The Environmental Protection Agency is currently working with the White House to develop national legislation that would follow San Francisco’s lead and ban the toxic trio from nail salons throughout the country.

If you or someone you love has suffered an illness caused by toxic chemicals at the workplace, please contact the Minnesota toxic substance exposure lawyers of Robert Wilson & Associates at (612) 334-3444.