Nail products work because of strong chemicals, and the exam expects you to know their hazards and how to limit exposure.
The "toxic trio"
OSHA highlights three ingredients: toluene (a solvent in polish and glue; dizziness, dry skin, harm to an unborn child), formaldehyde (in hardeners and polish; breathing problems, allergy, and OSHA links it to cancer) and dibutyl phthalate (a plasticizer that reduces cracking). Products labeled "3-free" claim to leave all three out. Frequent use of a formaldehyde hardener can also make nails brittle.
Methyl methacrylate (MMA)
Liquid MMA bonds poorly to the nail without heavy filing, which can damage the nail plate and nail bed. The FDA acted against 100% MMA products after injury complaints, and some states, such as Colorado, ban it outright.
Removers
Acetone removes polish; it is highly flammable and can cause headaches, dizziness and dry, cracked skin. Acetonitrile is the main ingredient of artificial nail removers.
Ventilation comes first
OSHA calls ventilation the best way to lower chemical levels: exhaust ventilation can cut exposure by at least half. Keep the HVAC fan on during work hours.
Masks and gloves
An N95 or dust mask helps with filing dust but not with vapors, and a surgical mask stops neither. Nitrile gloves protect against many nail chemicals; latex gloves are a common cause of latex allergy, so latex-free gloves are the safer choice.
At the station
- Use small, labeled containers holding only the product the service needs.
- Pour with a funnel or dropper and close bottles tightly.
- No smoking: many products are extremely flammable.
- Keep safety data sheets for your products, and put chemical-soaked cotton in a metal can with a self-closing lid.