HomeLifestyleSocial NetworksRestricted high levels of flame retardants found in Canadian discount salons

Restricted high levels of flame retardants found in Canadian discount salons

Published on

In some cases, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act restricts the use of substances researched.

Nail technicians in discount salons are exposed to various chemicals often used as plasticizers and flame retardants, according to a recent University of Toronto study.

The study, published today in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, discovered that nail technician were more likely than electronic waste workers to be exposed to certain dangerous substances.

“We were very surprised to find exposures for some chemicals up to 30 times higher among nail salon workers relative to exposures in homes, and up to 10 times higher than in e-waste handling facilities,” says Professor Miriam Diamond, co-author of the paper.

The study found increased levels of exposure to many phthalate plasticizers, which was expected given the compounds’ use in personal care items. DEHP, a phthalate plasticizer that is prohibited in cosmetics under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, was identified at low concentrations.

“The finding of low exposure to the plasticizer DEHP is important – it shows the current regulations for this compound are working,” Diamond adds.  

What was unexpected, however, was the discovery of significant quantities of flame retardants not commonly found in personal care products.

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act places restrictions on the use of several of the substances analyzed (or proposes restrictions). The majority of these substances, on the other hand, are not officially regulated in Ontario workplaces. In this investigation, the exact source of these chemicals in nail salons was not determined.

These substances have been linked to a variety of negative health impacts, including neurological and reproductive difficulties, with some data suggesting that prenatal exposure is a factor.

“Nail technicians have been raising concerns about the impact of their work on their bodies, including worries about reproductive, respiratory, skin and musculoskeletal health for many years now,” adds Victoria Arrandale, co-author. 

Image Credit: Getty

You were reading: Restricted high levels of flame retardants found in Canadian discount salons

Latest articles

Here’s How and When Mount Everest-sized ‘Devil Comet’ Can Be Seen With Naked Eye

Mount Everest sized Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as "devil comet" which is making its...

Something Fascinating Happened When a Giant Quantum Vortex was Created in Superfluid Helium

Scientists created a giant swirling vortex within superfluid helium that is chilled to the...

The Science of Middle-aged Brain and the Best Thing You Can Do to Keep it Healthy, Revealed

Middle age: It is an important period in brain aging, characterized by unique biological...

Science Shock: Salmon’s Food Choices Better at Reducing Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

Salmon: Rich in Health Benefits, Yet May Offer Less Nutritional Value - This is...

More like this

Here’s How and When Mount Everest-sized ‘Devil Comet’ Can Be Seen With Naked Eye

Mount Everest sized Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as "devil comet" which is making its...

Something Fascinating Happened When a Giant Quantum Vortex was Created in Superfluid Helium

Scientists created a giant swirling vortex within superfluid helium that is chilled to the...

The Science of Middle-aged Brain and the Best Thing You Can Do to Keep it Healthy, Revealed

Middle age: It is an important period in brain aging, characterized by unique biological...