HETA 90-048-2253 NIOSH INVESTIGATORS:

SEPTEMBER 1992 Daniel Almaguer, M.S.

HAUTE NAILS Leo M. Blade, M.S.E.E., C.I.H.

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA

I. SUMMARY

On November 7, 1989, the National Institute for Occupational Safety

and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the owner/operator of the Haute

Nails Salon, Norman, Oklahoma, to conduct a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE)

at her artificial nail sculpturing and tanning salon. The requestor was concerned

about the potential for chemical exposures resulting from the use of nail

sculpturing products.

On October 23, 1991, long-term general-area air sampling for volatile organic

chemicals (VOCs), formaldehyde, and methacrylates was conducted, along with

personal breathing-zone (PBZ) air sampling for methacrylates. An evaluation of

the ventilation system was also conducted including CO2, temperature and

relative humidity (RH) measurements.

Qualitative VOC sample results indicated that the major chemical compounds

present in the air were acetone, n-butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl

methyacrylate, toluene, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Quantitative samples

collected alongside qualitative samples showed that the highest airborne

concentrations ranged from 0.3% to 5.3% of the applicable environmental

criteria. Discussions with the employees indicated that they did not have any

symptoms related to the use of the nail products.

Analyses of bulk material samples showed that the nail sculpturing products

contained methyl and ethyl methacrylate and another unspecified methacrylate

ester that was quantitated against isobutyl methyacrylate.

Samples collected specifically for airborne methacrylates detected ethyl

methacrylate on all nine samples collected; methyl and isobutyl methacrylate

were not detected. Long-term samples collected at the two nail sculpturing

tables showed ethyl methacrylate concentrations ranging from 10.3 milligrams

per cubic meter (mg/m3

) to 14.1 mg/m3; the combined time-weighted average

(TWA) concentrations at Table #1 was 10.7 mg/m3 and 12.5 mg/m3 at Table #2. 

Short-term PBZ air samples collected during the application of acrylic monomer

liquid and polymer powder showed ethyl methacrylate concentrations of

128 mg/m3

 (7-minute sample) and 78.9 mg/m3 (14-minute sample). Currently

their are no standards for exposure to ethyl methyacrylate; however, ethyl and

methyl methacrylate are chemically similar and thought to have similiar

toxicities. All sample results were below the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and the American

Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit

Values (TLV) for methyl methacrylate of 410 mg/m3

 as an 8-hour TWA, and the

NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) of 410 mg/m3

 for up to a 10-hour

TWA.

This Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) report and any recommendations made herein are for the specific facility evaluated and may not be universally

applicable. Any recommendations made are not to be considered as final statements of NIOSH policy or of any agency or individual involved.

Additional HHE reports are available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports

This Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) report and any recommendations made herein are for the specific facility evaluated and may not be universally

applicable. Any recommendations made are not to be considered as final statements of NIOSH policy or of any agency or individual involved.

Additional HHE reports are available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports

This Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) report and any recommendations made herein are for the specific facility evaluated and may not be universally

applicable. Any recommendations made are not to be considered as final statements of NIOSH policy or of any agency or individual involved.

applicable. Any recommendations made are not to be considered as final statements of NIOSH policy or of any agency or individual involved.

Additional HHE reports are available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports
Sampling for airborne formaldehyde showed a trace concentration

of formaldehyde indoors. The concentration found was above the

analytical limit of detection (LOD), but below the analytical limit of

quantitation (LOQ), and is estimated to be about 0.014 parts per million (ppm). 

The outdoor formaldehyde concentration in the courtyard of the adjoining

building was below the LOD (<0.003 ppm).

An inspection of the heating and cooling system serving this salon revealed

that there is no mechanical exchange of air (exhaust or intake) for this salon. 

The results of CO2 measurements showed that indoor CO2 concentrations

exceeded the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning

Engineers (ASHRAE) guideline of 1000 ppm. All temperature and RH readings

recorded in the salon were within the ASHRAE comfort zone.

The ventilation evaluation showed that there is no provision for the

mechanical introduction of outside air to this business, nor is there an

exhaust fan in any part of the business to remove contaminated air. The

air sampling data obtained during this evaluation found no overexposures

to ethyl methyacrylate (when compared to the methyl methacrylate

evaluation criteria); however, an outside air supply duct should be added to

the heating and cooling system to provide mechanical ventilation for the

building. Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers

(ASHRAE) recommends that 25 cubic feet per minute per person

(cfm/person) of outside air be supplied to beauty salons. 

Recommendations for installing an outside air supply duct to the existing

system are presented in Section IX of this report (please see pages 13-14).

KEYWORDS: SIC 7231 (Beauty Shops), acrylic nails, artificial nails, sculptured

nails, nail salons, methacrylates, ventilation.
Page 3 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

II. INTRODUCTION

On November 7, 1989, the National Institute for Occupational Safety

and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the owner/operator of the Haute

Nails Salon, Norman, Oklahoma, to conduct a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE)

at her artificial nail sculpturing and tanning salon. The requestor was curious

about the potential for chemical exposures resulting from the use of nail

sculpturing products.

On October 23, 1991, environmental air samples were collected and a

ventilation assessment was performed. Long-term general-area air sampling

for volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), formaldehyde, and methacrylates was

conducted, along with personal breathing-zone (PBZ) air sampling for

methacrylates. An evaluation of the ventilation system was also conducted

including carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and relative humidity (RH)

measurements. Preliminary CO2, temperature, and RH results were verbally

transmitted at the closing conference on October 23, 1991.

III. PROCESS DESCRIPTION

Haute Nails is an artificial nail sculpturing and tanning salon located on the first

floor of a two-story brick building. Other businesses located in the building

include a beauty salon, and offices on the second story. The nail salon layout

includes a waiting room, two nail tables, four tanning booths, a products display

area, and restrooms. The restrooms are located in a common area shared with

the neighboring beauty salon. At the time of the NIOSH survey the salon

employed two full-time nail sculpturers and four part-time receptionists for the

tanning beds. Business hours were from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This nail and tanning salon is served by an air-conditioning system which

provides heating and cooling for the business. The system does not provide for

the mechanical exchange of outside air and no exhaust fans are located in the

area served by the system. The air-handling unit (AHU) is located in a furnace

closet at the rear of the business, and is equipped with a fan, a filter, a naturalgas-fired burner and heat exchanger, and a cooling (evaporator) coil (which is

provided with refrigerant from an electric-powered mechanical compressor). 

The system has a network of supply-air ducts (located above the ceiling) which

feed supply-air diffusers mounted in the ceiling, a return-air duct located at the

furnace closet near the back of the business (below the closet door is an entry

grille for the returning air), and the necessary controls and other hardware. The

surrounding businesses and offices are served by separate systems and were

not evaluated.

Nail sculpturing procedures performed include: 1) the application of a full set of

nails, 2) "fill-ins" - as the natural nail under the artificial nail grows out a fill-in is

required about every two weeks, and 3) fixing broken acrylic nails. The amount

of time required for each of the three procedures varies; application of a full set

of nails required approximately 30 to 40 minutes, fill-ins required approximately
Page 4 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

15 to 20 minutes, and fixing a single broken nail takes about 5 minutes. 

Application of a full set of nails requires: removal of old nail polish with a low

acetone remover; clipping back loose acrylic nails; filing the nail; applying a

primer with disinfectant; applying new acrylic nail using an acrylic polymer

powder and an acrylic monomer liquid; filing the newly applied acrylic nails;

buffing the nails; and applying new polish (one base coat, two coats of color,

one top coat, and a coat of "nail dry" to help the nails dry quicker).

IV. EVALUATION DESIGN AND METHODS

A. Industrial Hygiene Sampling

To determine the types of air contaminants that may be present, Material

Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) of the nail sculpturing products used at this

salon were obtained and reviewed prior to the environmental air sampling

survey. Potential sources of chemical exposures include methacrylates

from the acrylic monomer liquid and powdered acrylic polymer, dusts from

sanding of the acrylic nails, and solvents contained in the nail polishes and

nail polish removers used in the salon.

On October 23, 1991, long-term air samples were collected to determine

the airborne concentrations of chemical contaminants generated during the

application of artificial nails. Several air sampling pumps, along with

the appropriate sampling media, were placed at the two nail sculpturing

tables, as close as possible to the breathing-zone of the nail sculpturists. 

Each sample group included sampling media for qualitative and quantitative

screening for VOCs and methacrylates. Short-term PBZ air samples

were collected to evaluate personal exposures to methacrylates during

the application of acrylic nails; samples were collected during the entire

30-45 minute procedure and also during the 10-12 minute portion of the

procedure when the acrylic monomer liquid and polymer powder were

being applied to the nails of the customer. Bulk material samples of the

acrylic nail sculpturing substances (liquid and powder) used at this salon

were also collected for chemical analysis. The heating and cooling system

was visually inspected and CO2, temperature, and RH measurements were

collected inside the salon, and for comparison, outdoors.

Qualitative and quantitative samples for VOCs were collected on charcoal

tubes connected via Tygon® tubing to battery-powered sampling pumps

calibrated to provide a volumetric airflow rate of 0.05 liters per minute (Rpm)

and 0.1 Rpm, respectively. These samples were analyzed via gas

chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Qualitative samples were

screened for organic chemical compounds and quantitative samples were

analyzed for specific compounds as indicated by the results of the

qualitative analyses.

Formaldehyde is present in many cosmetic products (e.g., shampoos) as a

preservative and is also present in many construction materials, so
Page 5 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

sampling for formaldehyde was conducted to assess airborne

formaldehyde concentrations in the salon. Two formaldehyde samples

were collected; one indoors, at the front center of the nail salon and one

outdoors, in the courtyard of the adjoining building. Formaldehyde samples

were collected using impingers (containing an aqueous 1% sodium bisulfite

solution) connected via Tygon® tubing to battery-powered sampling pumps

calibrated to provide a volumetric airflow rate of 1 Rpm. Sodium bisulfite

solutions were analyzed for formaldehyde by reaction with chromotropic

acid and subsequent visible absorption spectrophotometry in accordance

with NIOSH Method No. 3500.(1)

Bulk material samples of the acrylic nail sculpturing liquid and powder used

at this salon were collected and analyzed. Bulk samples were extracted

with carbon disulfide, screened by GC, and then analyzed by GC/MS.

B. Ventilation evaluation

NIOSH investigators visually inspected the heating and cooling system

serving the salon. The system's performance was further evaluated by

collecting CO2, temperature, and RH measurements in the nail sculpturing

room, at the reception desk, and outdoors for comparison.

Airborne CO2 concentrations were measured using a Gastech direct

reading Portable CO2 Monitor (Model RI411) set in the 60–sec average

mode. The air temperature and RH were measured using a hand-held,

direct-reading, electronic Vaisala HM34 Humidity and Temperature Meter.

We intended to collect airflow measurements to determine the amount of

outside air being introduced to the facility for comparison to the American

Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

recommendations, but visual inspection of the system and discussions with

the architect indicated that there was no provision for outside air exchange.

V. EVALUATION CRITERIA

A. Environmental Evaluation Criteria

As a guide to the evaluation of the hazards posed by workplace exposures,

NIOSH field staff employ environmental evaluation criteria for assessment

of a number of chemical and physical agents. These criteria are intended

to suggest levels of exposure to which most workers may be exposed up to

10 hours per day, 40 hours per week for a working lifetime without

experiencing adverse health effects. It is, however, important to note that

not all workers will be protected from adverse health effects if their

exposures are maintained below these levels. A small percentage may

experience adverse health effects because of individual susceptibility, a

pre-existing medical condition, and/or a hypersensitivity (allergy).
Page 6 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

In addition, some hazardous substances may act in combination with other

workplace exposures, the general environment, or with medications or

personal habits of the worker to produce health effects even if the

occupational exposures are controlled at the level set by the evaluation

criterion. These combined effects are often not considered in the

evaluation criteria. Also, some substances are absorbed by direct contact

with the skin and mucous membranes, and thus potentially increase the

overall exposure. Finally, evaluation criteria may change over the years as

new information on the toxic effects of an agent become available.

The primary sources of environmental evaluation criteria for the workplace

are: 1) NIOSH recommended exposure limits (RELs),(2) 2) the American

Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH) Threshold Limit

Values (TLVs),(3) and 3) the U.S. Department of Labor/Occupational Safety

and Health Administration (OSHA) occupational health standards.(4) The

OSHA standards may be required to take into account the feasibility of

controlling exposures in various industries where the agents are used; the

NIOSH RELs by contrast, are based primarily on concerns relating to the

prevention of occupational disease. In evaluating the exposure levels and

the recommendations for reducing these levels found in this report, it

should be noted that industry is required by the Occupational Safety and

Health Act of 1970 (29 USC 651, et seq.) to meet those levels specified by

an OSHA standard.

A time-weighted average (TWA) exposure refers to the average airborne

concentration of a substance during a normal 8- to 10-hour workday. Some

substances have recommended short-term exposure limits (STEL) or

ceiling values which are intended to supplement the TWA where there are

recognized toxic effects from high, short-term exposures.

B. Heating Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Systems

The outside air ventilation criteria recommended by NIOSH investigators

are those published by ASHRAE in the ASHRAE Standard on Ventilation

for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (ASHRAE 62-1989).(5) Table 2 of that

document specifies outdoor air requirements for ventilation in commercial

facilities. ASHRAE recommends an outdoor air ventilation rate of 25 cubic

feet per minute per person (cfm/person) for beauty shops.

C. Temperature and Relative Humidity

The perception of thermal comfort is related to one's metabolic heat

production, the transfer of heat to the environment, physiological

adjustments, and body temperatures. Heat transfer from the body to the

environment is influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, air

movement, personal activities, and clothing. ASHRAE has published

guidelines describing thermal environmental conditions for comfort

(ASHRAE Standard 55-1981, Thermal Environmental Conditions for

Human Occupancy).(6) These guidelines are intended to achieve thermal
Page 7 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

conditions that will be found acceptable or comfortable by at least 80% of

the population. The temperatures range from 68°F to 74°F in the winter,

and from 73°F to 79°F in the summer. The difference between the two is

largely due to seasonal clothing selection. ASHRAE recommends that RH

be maintained between 30% and 60%.(5) Excessive humidity can support

the growth of pathogenic and allergenic microorganisms.(5)
Page 8 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

D. Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a normal constituent of exhaled breath and, if

monitored, may be useful as a screening technique to evaluate whether

adequate quantities of fresh air are being introduced into an occupied

space. The ASHRAE Standard 62-1989, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor

Air Quality, recommends outdoor air supply rates of 20 cfm/person for

office spaces and conference rooms, 15 cfm/person for reception areas, 25

cfm/person for beauty shops, and 60 cfm/person for smoking lounges, and

provides estimated maximum occupancy figures for each area.(5)

Indoor CO2 concentrations are normally higher than the generally constant

ambient CO2 concentration [range 300-350 parts per million (ppm)]. When

indoor CO2 concentrations exceed 1000 ppm in areas where the only

known source is exhaled breath, inadequate ventilation is suspected. 

Elevated CO2 concentrations suggest that other indoor contaminants may

also be increased.

E. Methacrylates

The methacrylates are methacrylic esters and are 2-methyl derivatives of

acrylic esters. Chemically, they are of the general structure

CH2:C(CH3)COOR, where "R" represents an organic hydrocarbon group. 

Biologically, the methacrylates resemble the acrylates, except for their

lower reactivity and thus decreased toxicity. This is probably due to steric

hindrance by its methyl group and, in turn, decreased rates of membrane

transport and systemic translocation.(7) However, relatively, the

methacrylates are mild to moderate irritants; thus, inhalation and skin and

eye contact should be avoided.(7)

Methyl, ethyl, and isobutyl methyacrylate have been used in various

artificial nail sculpturing products. Methyl methacrylate is an irritant of the

eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. The toxic effects are due to the

monomer; the polymer appears to be inert.(8) The OSHA PEL, NIOSH REL

and ACGIH TLV for methyl methacrylate are 100 ppm as an 8-hour

TWA.(3,4,9)

While there are no standards for exposure to ethyl and isobutyl

methacrylate it has been suggested that the industrial hygiene

recommendations for methyl methacrylate can also be applied to these

methacrylates.(7)
Page 9 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

F. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)

Ethanol is an mild irritant of the eyes and mucous membranes. The

primary route of exposure is through inhalation; but, it can also affect the

body if it comes in contact with the eyes or skin, or by ingestion. The liquid

can defat the skin, producing a dermatitis characterized by drying and

fissuring.(10) The OSHA PEL for ethanol is 1000 ppm averaged over an 8-

hour work shift.(4) The NIOSH REL is 1000 ppm averaged over a work shift

of up to 10 hours per day.(9)

G. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong, pungent odor detectable at

low concentrations;(11,12) its odor threshold is approximately 0.8 ppm.(13) It is

commonly utilized as formalin, an aqueous solution containing 37-50%

formaldehyde by weight.(11) It is widely used in the production of resins, in

the manufacture of many other compounds, as a preservative in many

beauty products, as a sterilizing agent, and as an embalming fluid.(14) In

some states, the use of formaldehyde cabinet fumigants is required in

beauty salons. These fumigants are generally in the form of solid

paraformaldehyde tablets or are prepared with formalin solutions (37%

formaldehyde).(15,16)

Exposure to formaldehyde can occur through inhalation or skin

absorption.(8) The primary non-carcinogenic effects associated with

formaldehyde exposure are irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes

and respiratory tract, and allergic sensitization of the skin. Dermatitis due

to skin contact with formaldehyde solutions and formaldehyde-containing

resins is a well-recognized problem. Both primary skin irritation and allergic

dermatitis have been reported.(11)

NIOSH recommends that formaldehyde be handled as a potential

occupational carcinogen and that appropriate controls be used to reduce

worker exposure to the lowest feasible level. This recommendation is

based primarily on a study in which nasal cancers developed in rats and

mice following repeated inhalation exposures of approximately 15 ppm

formaldehyde.(17)

On May 27, 1992, OSHA amended its existing regulation for occupational

exposure to formaldehyde to take effect on June 26, 1992. The final

amendments lowered the 8-hour PEL for formaldehyde from 1 ppm to an

8-hour TWA of 0.75 ppm.(18,19) The amendments also added medical

removal protection provisions to supplement the existing medical

surveillance requirements for those employees suffering significant eye,

nose, or throat irritation; and for those suffering from dermal irritation or

sensitization from occupational exposure to formaldehyde. Additional

hazard labeling, including a warning that formaldehyde presents a potential

cancer hazard, is required where formaldehyde air concentrations, under

reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, may potentially exceed 0.5 ppm. 
Page 10 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

The final amendment also provides for annual training of all employees

exposed to airborne formaldehyde concentrations of 0.1 ppm or higher.(19)

VI. RESULTS

A. Industrial Hygiene Sample Results

Qualitative samples collected at the two nail sculpturing tables were

screened for VOCs and quantitative samples were analyzed for specific

VOCs as indicated by the results of the qualitative analyses. Qualitative

sample results indicated that the major chemical compounds present were

acetone, n-butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl methyacrylate, toluene, and

1,1,1-trichloroethane. Acetone is found in nail polish removers; ethyl

acetate, n-butyl acetate and toluene are found in nail polishes; ethyl

methacrylate is found in the liquid and powdered acrylic nail products; and

1,1,1-trichloroethane is contained in many cleaning compounds. The

results of quantitative air samples collected showed that the highest

concentrations of acetone, n-butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl

methacrylate, toluene, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane, detected ranged from

0.3% to 5.3% of the applicable criteria.

Analyses of the bulk material samples showed that the nail sculpturing

products (liquid and powder) used at this salon contained methyl and ethyl

methacrylate and an unspecified methacrylate ester that was quantitated

against isobutyl methyacrylate.

Samples collected for airborne methacrylates were analyzed for methyl,

ethyl, and isobutyl methacrylate based on the results of bulk material

analyses of the nail sculpturing products. Ethyl methacrylate was detected

on all nine air samples collected for the methacrylates as shown in Table I. 

Methyl methacrylate and isobutyl methacrylate were not detected on any of

the samples collected. Six long-term samples collected at the nail

sculpturing tables (three at each table) showed ethyl methacrylate

concentrations ranging from 10.3 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3

) to

14.1 mg/m3. The combined TWA concentration for the area sample

collected at nail sculpturing table #1 was calculated to be 10.7 mg/m3 and

the full-shift TWA concentration for the area sample collected at table #2

was 12.5 mg/m3.

Short-term PBZ air samples showed that the nail sculptor at table #1 was

exposed to an ethyl methacrylate concentration of 128 mg/m3

 during a

7-minute time period when the acrylic liquid and powder was being applied;

and, the nail sculptor at table #2 was exposed to an ethyl methacrylate

concentration of 78.9 mg/m3

 during a 14-minute period when the acrylic

liquid and powder was being applied. One sample collected during an

entire nail sculpturing procedure, from start to finish (37 minutes), showed a

minimum airborne ethyl methacrylate concentration of 18.9 mg/m3

. It must

be emphasized that the reported concentration is a minimum concentration
Page 11 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

because a portion of the sample was lost and the actual concentration is

likely higher. Currently their are no standards for exposure to ethyl

methyacrylate; but, when compared to the criteria for methyl methacrylate

all sample results were below the OSHA PEL and ACGIH TLV of 410

mg/m3

 as an 8-hour TWA, and the NIOSH REL of 410 mg/m3 for up to a 10-

hour TWA.

Sample results showed a trace concentration of airborne formaldehyde

indoors. The sample was collected near the front center of the nail salon

and the concentration found was above the analytical limit of detection

(LOD) but below the limit of quantitation (LOQ) and is estimated to be about

0.014 ppm. The outdoors formaldehyde concentration in the courtyard of

the adjoining building was below the LOD (<0.003 ppm).

B. Ventilation Evaluation Results

An inspection of the heating and cooling system serving this salon revealed

that there is no provision for the mechanical induction of outside air for this

salon, nor is any air exhausted to the outside. Further inspection indicated

the air filters had been incorrectly installed and the condensate drain traps

overflowed in the past. Many items were stored in the area immediately in

front of the return air grille leading to the air-handling unit (AHU) closet;

thus, restricting the return airflow.

At the time of the survey the salon was occupied by eight to 12 persons at

most times; two full-time nail sculptors, plus one client for each nail

sculptor, one to two receptionists, and one to four tanning customers at

most times. The results of CO2 measurements showed indoor CO2

concentrations of 1200 ppm to 1500 ppm and indicate the indoor CO2

concentrations rose during the day. The CO2 concentrations measured

indoors exceeded the ASHRAE guideline of 1000 ppm. Outdoor CO2

concentrations were within the normal range for outdoor environments and

ranged from 275 ppm to 300 ppm.

Indoor temperature and RH readings were collected at two locations in the

salon; one near the reception desk and the other between the two nail

sculpturing tables. All indoor air temperatures were between 75°F and

76°F with relative humidities of 42% to 44%. The outdoor temperature was

81°F to 83°F with relative humidities readings of 51% to 58%. All

temperature and RH readings recorded in the salon were within the

ASHRAE comfort zone.

VII. DISCUSSION

Products used for sculptured nails and manicures contain chemical ingredients

which can have toxic effects at high levels. Acetone is found in nail polish

removers; ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate and toluene are found in nail polishes;
Page 12 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

and ethyl, methyl, and isobutyl methacrylate have been identified in various

brands of liquid (monomer) and powdered (polymer) acrylic nail products.

The nail sculpturing technique was developed in the early 1970s. The first

sculptured nail products marketed in the United States contained methyl

methacrylate monomer, which manicurists began applying to fingernails to

strengthen and lengthen them.(20,21) The use of these products resulted in

consumer complaints of allergic contact dermatitis of the nail beds and fingers,

nails dystrophy, and inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nail

(paronychia).(20,21) Subsequently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

banned the use of the methyl methacrylate monomer in nail products in

1974.(20,21) Since then other methacrylates (i.e., ethyl, butyl, isobutyl) have been

substituted in these artificial nail products. There are indications; however, that

methyl methacrylate continues to be used despite the FDA ban.(21)

The airborne concentrations of ethyl methacrylate found in this salon were all

below the evaluation criteria for methyl methacrylate. The evaluation criteria for

methyl methacrylate was used for comparison because there are no existing

standards for ethyl methacrylate, and it has been suggested that the toxicity of

the two methacrylates are similar, so the evaluation criteria for methyl

methacrylate may be applicable to ethyl methacrylate and isobutyl

methacrylate.(7,20,21)

VOC air sampling results indicated that the concentrations detected were below

the applicable environmental criteria, and employees did not report any

symptoms related to the use of the nail products. However, an inspection of the

ventilation system indicated that there was no provision for the mechanical

induction of outside air to the salon. ASHRAE recommends that 25 cfm/person

of outdoor air be supplied to beauty salons. The introduction of outdoor air to

this salon would aid in further diluting the airborne concentration of chemical

ingredients contained in the products used.

VIII. CONCLUSIONS

The ventilation evaluation showed that there is no provision for the induction of

outside air to this business, nor is there an exhaust fan in any part of the

business to remove potentially-contaminated air. While the air sampling data

obtained during this evaluation indicated that no exposures occurred that were

higher than existing industrial evaluation criteria, an outside air supply duct

should be added to the heating and cooling system to provide mechanical

ventilation for the building.

IX. RECOMMENDATIONS

1. An outside air supply duct should be added to the heating and cooling

system to provide for the mechanical introduction of outside air to the salon. 

The total quantity of outside air supplied to the salon should be based on
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the ASHRAE recommendation of 25 cfm/person, using the maximum

number of customers and employees expected in the salon at any given

time. The building owner should retain the services of a qualified

mechanical contractor to design and install this feature; to avoid overpressurizing the salon it may be necessary to add exhaust fans (the

contractor should evaluate whether mechanical exhaust fans are needed to

compensate for the outside air inducted). After the modifications are

complete, the air-conditioning system fan control (and those for the exhaust

systems employed) must be placed in the "on" position whenever the salon

is occupied. If the air-conditioning system fan control is left in the "auto"

position, the fan will cycle off and on with the burner or air-conditioning

compressor based on thermostat demand, and ventilation (outside air

exchange) will be intermittent.

2. The heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems serving the other

spaces of the building (i.e., the adjacent beauty salon and the office spaces

above the nail salon) should be considered by the mechanical contractor

along with the system in Haute Nails to assure that the modifications

recommended above do not lead to the migration of air contaminants from

Haute Nails to the other spaces. Although it is desirable for the salons to

be maintained under slight "positive pressure" with respect to the

outdoors (that is, with the outside-air intake rate slightly exceeding the

exhaust-air flowrate), the offices must then be maintained under somewhat

greater positive pressure so that they are "positive" with respect to the

salons. In general, the recommendations which have been offered in

regard to the nail salon also apply to the beauty salon located in the

building. The beauty salon should also have an outside air supply of

25 cfm/person as recommended by ASHRAE, and the offices' spaces

should meet the ASHRAE requirement of 20 cfm/person for office spaces.

3. Cleaning of the AHUs within the salon should be performed on a regular

maintenance schedule. The filters should be changed regularly, and the

evaporator coils and condensate drains should be cleaned routinely to

prevent the accumulation of standing water, which could provide a medium

for the growth of microorganisms that could enter the airstream and affect

the indoor air quality. A record of all cleaning performed should be kept

and any potential problems promptly corrected.

4. The area immediately in front of the return air grille leading to the AHU

closet should not be used as a storage area.

5. An inventory of all products used in the salon should be conducted and

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) of all products used should be

obtained from the manufacturer or distributor. An assessment of the

toxicity of the individual products should then be conducted and the

employees informed of the potential hazards involved.

6. Nail sculptors should receive regular and repeated education about the

potential hazards associated with the use of these products and the proper
Page 14 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

precautions necessary when using these products. Nail sculptors should

remain aware of work practices, such as handwashing and the wearing of

protective gloves or barrier creams, to minimize exposure to chemical

compounds.(22) Good personal hygiene should be practiced, such as

washing of the hands with mild soap and water to remove potentially

irritating dusts prior to taking breaks. Additionally, smoking, eating, or

drinking should be prohibited at nail sculpturing tables, and smoking should

be prohibited anywhere in the salon.
Page 15 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

X. REFERENCES

 1. NIOSH [1984]. NIOSH manual of analytical methods. 3rd Edition. 

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public

Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for

Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 84-100.

 2. CDC [1988]. NIOSH recommendations for occupational safety and health

standards 1988. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. MMWR 37 (suppl S-7).

 3. ACGIH [1991]. 1991-1992 Threshold limit values for chemical substances

and physical agents and biological exposure indices. Cincinnati, OH: 

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

 4. Code of Federal Regulations [1989]. OSHA Table Z-1. 29 CFR 1910.1000. 

Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing Office, Federal Register.

 5. ASHRAE [1989]. Ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality. Atlanta,

Georgia: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air conditioning

Engineers. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62-1989.

 6. ASHRAE [1981]. Thermal environmental conditions for human occupancy. 

Atlanta, Georgia: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air

Conditioning Engineers. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-1981.

 7. Sandmeyer EE, Kirwin CJ [1981]. Ester. Chapter 33. In: Clayton GD,

Clayton FE, eds. Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. 3rd rev. ed. 

Vol. 2A, Toxicology. New York, NY: Wiley-Interscience Publishers, pp

2298-2302.

 8. Proctor NH, Hughes, ML [1988]. Chemical hazards of the workplace. 2nd

ed. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Co.

 9. NIOSH [1988]. NIOSH testimony on the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration's proposed rule on air contaminants, August 1, 1988, OSHA

Docket No. H-020. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH).

10. NIOSH [1977]. Occupational diseases a guide to their recognition. 

Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public

Health Service, Center for Disease Control, National Institute for

Occupational Safety and Health, DHEW (NIOSH) Publication No. 77-181.

11. NIOSH [1977]. Criteria for a recommended standard--occupational

exposure to formaldehyde. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health,

Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control,
Page 16 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHEW (NIOSH)

Publication No. 77-126.

12. NIOSH [1988]. Occupational safety and health guidelines for chemical

hazards. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for

Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 89-104,

Supplement II-OHG.

13. Amoore JE, Hautala E [1983]. Odor as an aid to chemical safety: odor

thresholds compared with threshold limit values and volatilities for 214

industrial chemicals in air and water dilution. J Appl Tox 3:272-290.

14. ACGIH [1990]. 1989 Supplementation documentation-formaldehyde. 

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH), Appl

Occup Environ Hyg 5:383-389.

15. NIOSH [1990]. Hazard evaluation and technical assistance: Buckeye Hills

Career Center, Rio Grande, OH. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease

Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH

Report No. 88-153-2072.

16. NIOSH [1991]. Hazard evaluation and technical assistance: Northwest

Vocational School, Cincinnati, OH. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease

Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH

Report No. 88-153-2072.

17. NIOSH [1986]. Current Intelligence Bulletin 34: Formaldehyde: evidence

of carcinogenicity. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH Publication no.

86-122).

18. Code of Federal Regulations [1987]. Amended formaldehyde standard. 29

CFR 1910.1048. Fed Reg 52 (233). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government

Printing Office, Federal Register.

19. 57 Fed. Reg. 22290 [1992]. Occupational Safety and Health

Administration: occupational exposure to formaldehyde; final rule. (To be

codified at 29 CFR 1910.1048.)

20. Hiipakka D, Samimi G [1987]. Exposure of acrylic fingernail sculptors to

organic vapors and methacrylate dusts. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 48(3):230-

237.
Page 17 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

21. Froines JR, Garabrant DH [1986]. Quantitative evaluation of manicurists

exposure to methyl, ethyl, and isobutyl methacrylate during production of

synthetic fingernails. Appl. Ind. Hyg. 2:70-74.

22. Code of Federal Regulations [1991]. OSHA general industry standards:

hazard communication. 29 CFR 1910.1200. Washington, D.C: U.S.

Government Printing Office, Federal Register.

XI. AUTHORSHIP AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Report Prepared by: Daniel Almaguer, M.S.

Industrial Hygienist

Industrial Hygiene Section

Leo M. Blade, M.S.E.E., C.I.H.

Industrial Hygiene Engineer

Industrial Hygiene Section

 Hazard Evaluations and Technical

 Assistance Branch

Division of Surveillance, Hazard

 Evaluations and Field Studies

Document formatted by: Donna M. Humphries

Office Automation Assistant

Industrial Hygiene Section
Page 18 - Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 90-048

Originating Office: Hazard Evaluations and Technical

 Assistance Branch

Division of Surveillance, Hazard

 Evaluations and Field Studies

XII. DISTRIBUTION AND AVAILABILITY OF REPORT

Copies of this report may be freely reproduced and are not copyrighted. Single

copies of this report will be available for a period of 90 days from the date of this

report from the NIOSH Publications Office, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati,

Ohio 45226. To expedite your request, include a self-addressed mailing label

along with your written request. After this time, copies may be purchased from

the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal Road,

Springfield, Virginia 22161. Information regarding the NTIS stock number may

be obtained from the NIOSH Publications Office at the Cincinnati address.

Copies of this report have been sent to:

1. Haute Nails, Norman, Oklahoma

2. OSHA, Region VI

For the purpose of informing affected employees, copies of this report shall be

posted by the employer in a prominent place accessible to the employees for a

period of 30 calendar days.
Table I

Ethyl methacrylate concentrations

Haute Nail and Tanning Salon

Norman, Oklahoma

HETA 90-048

October 23, 1992

SAMPLE

LOCATION SAMPLE TYPE

SAMPLE

PERIOD 

 BEGIN END 

CONCENTRATION

(mg/m3)

Nail Table #1 General-area (GA) 8:33am -

10:55am

10.3

GA 1:07pm - 4:10pm 10.5

GA 4:14pm - 6:34pm 11.4

Combined TWA 10.7

Short-term PBZ 1:28pm - 1:35pm 128

Short-term PBZ 3:09pm - 3:46pm 18.9*

Nail Table #2 GA 9:14am - 1:01pm 12.9

GA 1:31pm - 4:29pm 10.8

GA 4:38pm - 7:16pm 14.1

Full-shift TWA 12.5

Short-term PBZ 2:26pm - 2:40pm 78.9

Environmental Criteria: NIOSH REL

OSHA PEL

ACGIH TLV

410

410

410

Abbreviations:

TWA - time weighted average

PBZ - personal breathing-zone

* - this value is considered a minimum sample concentration, actual sample

 concentration may be higher because a portion of the sample was lost.