TOUGH AS NAILS

Submitted by ub on

A somewhat difficult habit to break for some, but folks using beauty products like nail polish, nail polish removers, artificial nails, adhesives, and disinfectants should know that these can be toxic. Compared to the average individual, those who work at nail salons and are paid peanuts, or the customers who frequent these establishments are exposed to chemical ingredients that could contain harmful substances.

Some of the more potent chemicals are toluene, formaldehyde, ethyl methacrylate(EMA), and dibutyl phthalate(DBP). Nearly all chemicals are reported to be eye, skin, nose, and throat irritants. Some, like toluene and dibutyl phthalatesare known endocrine disruptors. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with endocrine syste, which is regulated by hormones. These hormonal disruptors can potentially lead to tumors, birth defects, reproductive harm, neurological, developmental, and immune degradation. Research has suggested that endocrine disruptors pose the greates risk during prenatal and postnatal development.

NYC nail salon workers sue over minimum wage, overtime violations via @FortuneMagazine http://for.tn/1FiuByf

Nail Salon Workers Sue Employer Over Allegedly Paying $60 For 10-Hour Days http://thkpr.gs/3659327 via @thinkprogress

De Blasio Says New York Will Investigate Nail Industry Practices http://nyti.ms/1B1vvtS

The Price of Nice Nails http://nyti.ms/1AHoYo6

Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers http://nyti.ms/1JvnvWZ

12 Things Your Nail Salon Doesn't Want You to Know http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/nail-salon-secrets

The Marketing of Muckraking http://www.onthemedia.org/story/marketing-muckraking/ via @onthemedia