Chemicals may be Risky to Nail Salon Workers, Study Finds
Harmful chemicals may be endangering the health of Vietnamese nail salon workers, according to a December 2011 study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Researchers at the Cancer Prevention Institute of California (CPIC) and Asian Health Services report finding unsafe levels of toluene, a solvent linked to severe neurological and reproductive damage, and other chemicals, including methyl methacrylate, which has been banned by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) since 1974.
Common complaints among salon workers included irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, shortness of breath, nausea and coughing, according to the study.
“This really explains why we have been hearing from salon workers about the health problems that they have,” said Thu Quach, PhD, MPH, lead author of the study.
Nail Polish Side Effects
- Lung Cancer
- Leukemia
- Breast Cancer
- Skin cancer
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Respiratory disease
- Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Coughing
- Impaired color vision
- Memory loss
- Infections
- Miscarriages
- Birth defects (low birth weight, mental retardation, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or “ADHD,” etc.)
New York Times Exposé Highlights Cancer, Birth Defects Risk in Nail Salons
In 2011, the New York Times published a series of articles describing the high rate of lung cancer, leukemia, and miscarriages in nail salon workers. In one case, a manicurist who reportedly suffered at least three miscarriages was advised by her doctor to change jobs and was warned the chemicals she was exposed to while working may be harmful to her lungs and liver. Other nail salon workers gave birth to children who suffered from severe cognitive, development, and attention deficit orders.
Can I Participate in a Class Action Lawsuit?
Although we are a nationally recognized class action firm, the Workplace and Environmental Litigation Group at our law firm has decided against the filing of a nail salon chemicals class action suit and is currently filing individual claims on behalf of people who were injured or had children with birth defects. If our lawyers determine that you have a valid claim, you may be entitled to compensation to assist with medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Do I Have a Nail Salon Chemical Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in nail salon chemical lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new personal injury and birth defect cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you got cancer, had a miscarriage, or delivered a baby with birth defects while working in a nail salon, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.