TOPIC
Manicurists
20 regularly used chemicals each day. The number of nail salons in Nigeria is growing at a
rapid pace and each year the industry earns billions. Three main chemicals have recently
come under fire for being hazardous to workers health. Named the “toxic trio,” toluene,
phthalates, and formaldehyde have been thoroughly investigated by many organizations
and found to be hazardous to manicurists’ health. Ingredients in products used in hair and
nail salons include endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) like parabens and phthalates.
EDCs can mimic or block endogenous endocrine function, with wide-ranging health
implications, including reproductive effects. Many of the chemicals contained, emitted or
formed from the use of nail products are also known or suspected respiratory irritants and
sensitizing agents, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde in hair
straighteners and nail polishes, ammonia in hair dyes, persulfates in bleaches, and
phthalates added for fragrance or as solvents. Several studies indicate that women in this
occupational group may disproportionately suffer from adverse respiratory, reproductive
and dermatological effects.
Keywords: Health, hazards, cosmetologists, focus and manicurists.
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PUBLISHED
2023-01-11
HOW TO CITE
Ogenyi Franca C. (2023). Evaluation of Common Health Hazards among Cosmetologists: Focus on
Manicurists. IAA Journal of Applied Sciences 9(1):40-45.