Environmental and Biological Monitoring of Volatile Organic Chemicals among Nail Technicians

The U.S. nail salon industry employs 380,000 workers nationwide, many young Vietnamese women. Numerous solvents are used in nail salons, but no studies have measured personal exposure and biomarkers of nail techs. This study aims to identify key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in nail salons; explore the relationship between personal exposure and biomarkers; and understand the occupational contribution to VOC biomarkers. Personal and area air samples were collected on 10 nail techs during a work shift in 7 nail salons in the Boston Area (2016–2017). Air samples were collected using thermal desorption tubes and analyzed for 85 VOCs. Whole blood samples were collected for each tech before and after the shift and analyzed for 45 VOCs. Ventilation rates were determined by continuous CO2 measurements and a steady-state box model. We observed use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Of the VOCs detected in the air and blood samples, toluene and ethyl acetate predominated – which are common ingr...