Policy and Research Strategies for Building a Healthy Community for Nail Salon Workers

Nail salon and cosmetology workers, who are predominantly Vietnamese immigrants, experience an elevated prevalence of acute health effects, such as headaches, respiratory illnesses, musculoskeletal disorders, and skin problems, compared to the general population. Concerns related to cancer and reproductive impacts have burgeoned given the chronic, long-term exposure of these workers to toxic chemicals present in the products they handle on a daily basis. To establish a healthy workplace community that promotes the well-being of nail salon workers, the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative implemented a two-prong statewide strategy: 1) A local policy campaign in Northern California to reduce the use of three carcinogenic and reproductively harmful chemicals in nail salons--formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. The campaign led to the passage of a groundbreaking ordinance in San Francisco that provides city recognition to nail salons that utilize safer products. 2) A community-based needs assessment with nearly 100 workers in Southern California to serve as an important base building tool that has not only builds greater awareness among the nail salon community about healthier workplace practices and products, but also builds linkages with important community allies. Both strategies have empowered the nail salon community to learn about and advocate for solutions that positively impact their health and built a foundation by which workers can advocate for systematic changes. This session will describe how these strategies have addressed the root causes of the health impacts experienced by nail salon workers and assured the right of these workers to a healthy workplace community.