Are you a beautician working in a nail salon? Know that you are daily exposed to more than 60 chemicals of concern, according to the latest report from the National Health Security Agency (ANSES).
In 2009, at the request of the Directorate General for Health (DGS), the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) assessed the risk for consumers linked to the use of toluene in cosmetic products, and more particularly in nail varnishes. But at the time, the possible health risks of professionals were not taken into account when they have to handle many chemical substances.
The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) therefore contacted ANSES to assess the risks associated with exposure of professionals to products used for the care and decoration of the nails.
700 substances present in products or the atmosphere
Nail professionals are called upon to realize various types of care and decoration: nail polish classic or semi-permanent, manicure treatments and nail prosthesis installation using different techniques (gel or resin).
The analysis of the products used for these treatments made it possible to identify approximately 700 substances present either in the composition of the product or in the atmosphere. And 60 of these 700 substances were considered “very worrying” because carcinogenic, toxic for reproduction or listed on a list of endocrine disruptors potentials.
“Professionals in this sector are also exposed to particles from nail sanding operations and resins. The detailed characterization of this dust, particularly chemical and particle size, is unknown” adds ANSES in his press release.
ANSES recommendations
In view of the conclusions of its expertise, the Agency recommends that professionals look for substitute products, use suction tables and wear suitable personal protective equipment (gloves and masks against dust). It also asks the manufacturers of cosmetic products to remove the most dangerous chemicals from these products and to develop products with which nail professionals would not be in contact.
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