Research Needs

“Given the multitude of compounds – that may increase risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses – there is a real need for additional research to examine the long term health effects of working in this industry.  The intent behind new research would be to understand the relationship between occupational exposures in this industry and health problems, rather than to penalize workers or owners, who depend on nail salons for their livelihood.”
— Thu Quach, PhD

While acute impacts such as rashes, headaches, dizziness and respiratory aliments have been well-documented in salons, little research has been conducted to date on the long-term, chronic health impacts resulting from occupational exposures.  Stories from workers of adverse reproductive outcomes, including spontaneous abortions, preterm births and low-birth weight, in addition to asthma and cancer, are often not reported to health authorities due to health access, language and socio-cultural barriers.  Even when workers have reported health problems, little has been done to further investigate the association between occupational exposures and health problems.  Thus, there has been little to no systematic documentation of chronic health impacts experienced by workforce members.  Currently, the myriad compounds used in salons lack full toxicology and health impacts data, suggesting the need for increased research and long-term studies in this arena.

In April 2009 the Collaborative hosted a research convening to learn about key research studies and to develop recommendations for future research that address worker health and safety. Download the Collaborative’s follow-up publication to the convening, titled Framing a Research Agenda to Advance Worker Health and Safety in the Nail Salon and Cosmetology Communities.

To learn more about Collaborative efforts to address these research needs, click here.