Volatile Organic Compound Exposure in Colorado Nail Salons

Abstract

A pilot study of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) exposure was conducted in 6 nail salons along Colorado’s front range. Measurements included area concentrations of Total VOCs (TVOCs), Formaldehyde (HCHO), Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEX), as well as personal exposure sampling of four additional VOCs and worker health surveys. Preliminary data includes average TVOC levels between 3ppm and 22ppm, average HCHO levels between 12ppb and 405ppb, and BTEX concentrations between 23ppb and 300ppb. All participating salons exceeded the NIOSH standard for 8hr time-weighted HCHO concentration on at least one measurement day, and several salons exceeded other HCHO standards including the ACGIH 8hr Threshold Limit Value (TLV). BTEX concentrations observed were similar to those measured in previous occupational exposure studies of gasoline and diesel station attendants and oil refinery workers. Most (65%) survey respondents reported experiencing at least one health symptom as a result of their employment in the nail salon industry, with the most common symptoms including headaches, skin irritation, eye irritation, and nose irritation. Cancer risk estimates for Benzene and Formaldehyde exposure were calculated using cancer slope factors published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) in their Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). These estimates are based on a 30-year occupational exposure duration, and incorporate average body weights provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as inhalation rates provided by US EPA. The elevated lifetime risk for Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) from formaldehyde exposure ranged from approximately 1 in 100,000 (1.18x10^-5) to over 6 in 10,000 (6.5x10^-4). The elevated lifetime risk for Leukemia from benzene exposure ranged from 5.15x10^-7 to 5.05x10^-5.