Advancing Nail Salon Worker Health, Safety, and Rights: Achieving Tangible Outcomes Through An Integrative Approach Julia Liou, MPH Lisa Fu, MPH Thu Quach, MPH, PhD Michael DiBartolomeis, PhD Asian Health Services The California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative Department of Public Health
Panel Overview Taking a multi-disciplinary, integrative approach to implementing successful campaigns Utilizing research tools for community base building and engagement How research activities have supported and further advanced Collaborative s community and advocacy work Govt role and responsibility in workplace exposure and value of working as partners
Products utilized in nail salons often contain toxic chemicals known to be carcinogenic and harmful to reproductive health Cosmetic products are not required to undergo pre-market safety assessments Europe has banned some of these chemicals; the US has not The Issues
Nail Products: Chemical Ingredients Benzene and Potential Health Effects Chemical Possible Health Effects (cancer & reproductive) Known human carcinogen; endocrine disruptor; long-term high level exposures can cause acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) Use Nail polish remover Benzoyl peroxide Suggestive cancer risk based on animal studies Artificial nail hardener Di-n-butyl phthalate Formaldehyde Glycol Ethers Methylene Chloride Toluene Inadequate evidence for cancer in humans and animals; animal studies have been suggestive of adverse birth outcomes (e.g. low birth weight, cleft palate); endocrine disruptor Some suggestive evidence that workplace exposure could lead to more than expected cancers of nose and throat Found to cause birth defects and damage to the testicles in laboratory animals; reduce sperm counts in men Probable cancer-causing agent in humans (WHO, EPA & DHHS) Very high levels during pregnancy could lead to birth defects and retard mental abilities, and growth Nail polish Nail hardeners, nail polish Artificial nails (occasionally) Artificial nails Nail polish
Nail Salon Worker Health Concerns Regular exposure to multitude of chemicals Concerns about cumulative long-term impacts: Cancer Birth defects & other adverse reproductive outcomes Phthalates transferred across the placental barrier Toxins passed to newborns when breastfeeding Miscarriages Acute symptoms & illnesses Respiratory illnesses Rashes and nose, throat, skin irritations Chronic pains Carpal tunnel, back pains
In the beginning Safe Cosmetics Act (SB 484) Cosmetic chemical reporting Requires manufacturers to report to CA Dept of Public Health if their products contain carcinogenic or reproductive harmful chemicals Bringing together policy advocacy and API community groups
Integrative Approach to Achieve Outcomes CA Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative Advance a preventive environmental health agenda to assure the health and safety of nail and beauty salon communities. Integrate policy advocacy, research, industry advocacy, and outreach and education approaches. Over 30 members
Integrative Approach to Achieve Outcomes Collaborative Structure Composed of over 30 environmental and public health groups, API community groups, advocates, and nail salon community members Steering Committee Industry Taskforce* Worker Worker Advisory Advisory Grou Groups/Regional Meetings Building Bridges* Policy Research Outreach & Education
Integrative Approach: Healthier Salons San Francisco What are safer products? There are chemicals of concern!! Campaign We want to see more green business models Interest in protectin g worker health and safety Consumer and media interest Workers Owners Researchers Agencies Policymakers Public & Media
Integrative Approach: Healthier Salons San Francisco Toxic Trio Ban Campaign Nail Salon Recognition Over 100 worker & owner signature s Media Video with 1000s of hits! 277 signatures from San Franciscan s On board with housing a nail salon recognition program!
San Francisco Nail Salon Recognition Program Ordinance Media event
San Francisco Nail Salon Recognition Program Ordinance
Thank you to all the Collaborative s partners!!! Julia Liou jliou@ahschc.org 510-986-6830 ext. 267