气候变化领域集成服务门户

ObjectivesThe City of San Francisco, California established a recognition program for nail salons that use safer nail products and receive worker safety training. This pilot study examined whether participating salons had reduced levels of toluene, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and improved knowledge and behavior compared to control salons.

MethodsWe conducted personal air monitoring and administered surveys assessing knowledge and behaviors of two workers from each of six intervention salons and five control salons. We conducted assessments before and after the worker training.

ResultsAlthough non-significant, there was a reduction in toluene (-46% vs. 0%) and TVOC (-19% vs. +47%), but an increase in MMA (+113% and +72%) among intervention salons compared to control salons. Awareness of dibutyl phthalates in nail products increased (+55%) among intervention salons between surveys.

ConclusionsA government-administered nail salon recognition program may reduce chemical exposures and increase work-related knowledge. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:193-202, 2015. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.