Nail technician awareness of the exposure to chemicals and airborne particles in nail salons in Malta

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the level of awareness of nail technicians in Malta in relation to the exposure of chemicals and airborne particles during the course of their work at nail salons. Adverse occurrences may be manifested due to the procedure itself as a response to the chemical substances used in nail cosmetics. The service includes a number of steps and the use of various products which can be hazardous to health, if suitable and sufficient mitigation measures are not in place. Consequently the study focused on the number of years doing the job and the amount of hours performed, in relation to the duration of exposure to the chemical substances. Of due significance was the training that nail technicians followed in relation to the knowledge and interest on the hazards of product components. In this respect the importance given by the nail technicians to the type of air they breathe in and whether or not they were ensuring adequate salon ventilation was considered. Respondents were also questioned on their perception of wearing personal protective clothing, the type used, and first aid knowledge including fire safety. The older generation of nail technicians was more apprehensive about health issues implicated during the performance of their work, although they were not sufficiently aware of the hazardous properties of the chemical substances used in nail cosmetics. The concept of ventilation which is of the utmost importance for a safe breathing environment was lacking. The system adopted by the majority of the salons was insufficient to reduce contaminants in the salon. Many accepted to become compliant if more guidance and education was readily available. It was concluded that the work of a nail technician can only be done safely if safe systems of work are adopted and the right steps followed. These include proper training and education which is the key to improving awareness, some common sense applied to the work practices and appropriate ventilation systems.