Nail salon workers and patrons of these facilities are at risk of bacterial infections, fungal infections, and toxic chemical exposures that can cause serious injury and illness and may even lead to permanent disability for those affected. Employees and customers who visit these establishments face a number of potential threats every time they walk in the door and pull up a seat. About two-thirds of nail salon clients surveyed said they had experienced one or more health issues after visiting a salon.
Biological Health Hazards Hiding in Nail Salons
Nail salon workers and their customers can be exposed to blood and saliva that contain contagious viruses and pathogens including Hepatitis and HIV. Should these pathogens gain entry into the bloodstream via wounds or mucous membranes, the individual can become infected and may unwittingly pass this infection along to family members and sexual partners.
Fungal infections are some of the most common injuries experienced by nail salon workers. These can depress the individual’s immune system and make it easier for the person to contract other infections. These infections can be spread via direct contact or through airborne exposure. In fact, athlete’s foot is among the most common injuries suffered by nail salon workers.
Chemical Exposures in Nail Salons
Salon personnel is exposed to a bevy of potentially toxic chemicals including toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and various methacrylate compounds. These chemicals are found in nail polish, glue, disinfectants, and cleaning agents staff utilize on a daily basis. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can cause respiratory injuries including the development of asthma, neurological damage, depress the circulatory system and may lead to the development of cancer.
Liability for Nail Salon Injuries
Liability for personal injuries suffered in a nail salon can fall upon a manager who fails to properly train employees in the safe handling of materials and machinery. It can fall upon a customer who fails to disclose his or her health status to a worker. It can also fall upon an equipment manufacturer when the poor design of a machine or tool prohibits the thorough sterilization of the device. A personal injury lawyer in Chicago can help ascertain the factors that led to the injury and the individuals whose negligent actions created conditions that facilitated the injury.