Nail Salon Chemicals Lawsuit

Study Finds Hazardous Chemicals in Nail Salon Products

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health [1] in December 2011 found that a number of dangerous chemicals may be affecting the health of nail salon workers. Researchers at the Cancer Prevention Institute of California (CPIC) recruited 80 nail salon workers – all of whom were Vietnamese women – at 20 different salons to participate in the study.

They found unsafe levels of toxic chemicals in abundance in nail salons, including the solvent toluene, which has been linked to severe neurological, reproductive and endocrine damage. The study found that the average toluene levels were 0.15 parts per million, nearly double the level recommended by the California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for indoor air. Additionally, notable levels of the long-banned chemical methyl methacrylate were found in 3 of the salons looked at by the researchers.

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, Miscarriage Risk with Nail Salon Chemicals

In 2011, the New York Times [2] published an exposé describing the high rates of lung cancer, leukemia, and miscarriages in nail salon workers. In one case, a manicurist who reportedly had at least 3 miscarriages was advised by her physician 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.

FAQs

Are nail salon workers at higher risk for chemical exposure than clients?

Yes, nail salon workers are at a higher risk for chemical exposure due to prolonged and repeated contact with hazardous substances in the products they use daily, leading to cumulative health effects over time.

Can a lawsuit be filed against a product manufacturer if their nail salon chemicals caused health issues?

Yes, if it is proven that a product manufacturer’s chemicals caused health issues, you can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for failing to warn about the risks or for producing an unsafe product.

What compensation can I seek in a nail salon chemical exposure lawsuit?

Compensation in a nail salon chemical exposure lawsuit may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages if gross negligence is proven. Long-term health monitoring costs may also be included.

How does prolonged exposure to nail salon chemicals impact long-term health?

Prolonged exposure to nail salon chemicals can lead to chronic health issues such as respiratory diseases, reproductive problems, hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of cancer. These long-term effects can be significant factors in a lawsuit.

See other toxic tort lawsuits that we’ve covered.

Do I Have a Nail Salon Chemical Exposure Lawsuit?

The Workplace and Environmental Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in nail salon chemical exposure lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new personal injury and birth defect cases in all 50 states.

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 a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.