Nail salons are a common part of self-care, but the distinct chemical odors raise concerns for expectant parents and those with infants. The air quality in a salon contains various chemical compounds released from products, creating a potential exposure risk. For a developing fetus or a young child, whose biological systems are still maturing, the margin of safety for exposure to these substances is smaller than for a healthy adult. This article provides information to help parents understand the risks associated with nail salon fumes.
Identifying the Specific Chemical Culprits
The characteristic smell of a nail salon comes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that evaporate quickly into the air from various products. The most scrutinized compounds are often referred to as the “Toxic Trio”: toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). These three chemicals were historically common ingredients in nail polishes and hardeners.
Toluene is used primarily as a solvent to create a smooth finish, while formaldehyde acts as a hardener to prevent chipping. Dibutyl phthalate functions as a plasticizer to increase flexibility and reduce brittleness, although it is increasingly being replaced by substitutes like triphenyl phosphate (TPHP). Other common VOCs include acetone, a powerful solvent used in polish removers, and various acrylates and methacrylates, which are the building blocks of artificial nails and primers. Their rapid evaporation leads to air quality issues in enclosed spaces.
Health Effects on Infants and Developing Fetuses
Exposure to nail salon chemicals is a particular concern for both the developing fetus and newborns. The fetus is susceptible because substances inhaled by the pregnant person can cross the placenta, potentially impacting organ development during critical prenatal periods. High levels of exposure to solvents like toluene during pregnancy have been associated with intrauterine growth retardation, premature delivery, and congenital malformations.
Maternal occupational exposure to these chemicals, such as working as a nail technician during early pregnancy, shows associations with an increased risk of certain birth defects, including congenital heart defects. Formaldehyde exposure has also been linked to an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. Exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) has been linked to reproductive toxicity and low birth weight in infants.
After birth, infants are at greater risk because their respiratory systems are immature and they breathe faster than adults, increasing the volume of air and airborne chemicals inhaled. Exposure to the VOCs in salon air can lead to acute symptoms like irritated eyes, skin, and throat, as well as difficulty breathing or asthma-like reactions. Longer-term concerns include potential impacts on neurodevelopment and neurological functions, with some research suggesting links to decreased memory and neurobehavioral abnormalities in children.
Practical Steps for Minimizing Exposure
Reducing exposure to nail salon fumes is the most direct way to mitigate potential risks for pregnant individuals and those with infants. The most important factor in limiting inhalation exposure is ensuring a high-quality ventilation system is in place. Choosing a salon with mechanical ventilation that exhausts air outside, rather than just recirculating it, is the most effective measure.
Scheduling appointments earlier in the day can also reduce exposure, as chemical concentrations tend to build up later after continuous product use. Pregnant individuals should request to be seated near an open window or door to maximize fresh airflow. When selecting products, look for polishes labeled as “3-free,” “5-free,” or “10-free,” which indicate the exclusion of the “Toxic Trio” and other common chemicals.
It is recommended to avoid bringing infants or young children into the salon environment altogether, given their developing systems and the persistent presence of VOCs and fine dust particles. As an alternative, an at-home manicure using low-VOC or water-based products in a well-ventilated space significantly reduces chemical inhalation for both the parent and the child.