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<\/a>The products found in salons, such as nail polish and nail polish remover may contain many toxic chemicals, including DBP, Tolune, and Formaldehyde. These chemicals can be dangerous not only to employees in these establishments, but also to the customers. Potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to these products include lung disease, miscarriage, and cancer. When choosing a nail salon, ask if they use safe, non-toxic products.<\/p>\nWhile exposure to these chemicals are making headlines, other risks, including developing toe nail fungus, plantar\u2019s warts, or even a bacterial infection are all a cause for concern.<\/p>\n
Follow these nail salon safety tips before your next trip to the salon:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Bring Your Own Tools \u2013 By purchasing your own instruments, you can ensure that no one else has used them. All metal tools should be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide between uses. All non-metal tool, such as files can\u2019t be sterilized and should be discarded after each use because they can harbor bacteria.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Ensure Proper Sterilization \u2013 If you opt to use the salon\u2019s tools, make sure all pieces of equipment that touches your skin was sterilized in an autoclave (steam sterilizer) between each use. Some salons may use a UV sterilizer, but this process does not kill bacteria.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Proper Hygiene is a Must \u2013 Salon employees should wash their hands between each customer. While waterless sanitizers are acceptable, washing hands using soap and warm running water is preferable. Employees can also use gloves as an extra layer of protection.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Don\u2019t Get Your Cuticles Cut \u2013 The purpose of cuticles is to protect the nail bed from bacteria. If that\u2019s their job, why would we want to cut them? Using cutters, razors, or other tools can allow bacteria to enter your body and cause an infection. Instead, use a cotton-tipped stick to gently push the cuticles back.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Footbath Safety \u2013 Make sure your salon\u2019s footbaths are cleaned in hot, soapy water and sprayed with a disinfectant between each use. Also, tub liners should be used. To be extra careful, bring your own tub liner or garbage bag.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Check for General Cleanliness \u2013 Inspect the overall condition of your salon\u2019s floors and bathrooms. Odds are if they are not clean, the shop does not make sterility a priority.<\/p>\n
Before you get that manicure or pedicure this summer, make sure your salon is safe. The cost of beautiful nails should not be your health.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The safety of New York\u2019s nail salon workers has recently been a topic of conversion, but what about the safety of those who frequent these salons? The products found in salons, such as nail polish and nail polish remover may … Continue reading