All News Releases By Date

New Brochure Helps Nail Salon Workers Protect Themselves from Chemicals

Release Date: 8/4/2004
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      A new brochure developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now available to help nail salon workers protect themselves from potentially harmful chemicals commonly found in nail products.  The brochure, Pollution Prevention Practices for Nail Salons - A Guide to Protect the Health of Nail Salon Workers and their Working Environment, is available in both English and Vietnamese.

      The brochure addresses chemicals found in nail products and their potential health effects.  It also recommends best shop practices that nail salon owners and workers should adopt for a better and safer working place.  In addition to this brochure, EPA also provides training to nail care stakeholders nationwide.

      "The nail salon project in Houston is an example of EPA's support of communities who develop local solutions with nationwide applications," EPA Regional Administrator  Richard E. Greene said.  "The project supports one of EPA's goals established by Administrator Leavitt -- to develop regional networks for environmental problem-solving."  

      EPA developed the brochure after listening to concerns from the Asian-American communities in Houston and researching methods to address those concerns.  EPA worked in concert with federal, state and local government agencies, individuals, and non-profit organizations in Houston.  Together, the agencies are attempting to address the unmet needs of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community.

      The brochure is available in English at https://www.epa.gov/opptintr/dfe/pubs/salon/nailbook-eng1.htm and in Vietnamese at https://www.epa.gov/opptintr/dfe/pubs/salon/NailBookletVN.pdf.  A Korean version is on the way.  More information on the nail salons project is available at https://www.epa.gov/opptintr/dfe/projects/salon/.